JERUSALEM — Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon remains in critical and life-threatening condition, according to a text message Saturday from the Chaim Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv, where he is being treated.

The former Israeli leader, 85, has been in a coma and on life support since suffering a stroke in January 2006.

Doctors disclosed earlier this week that his condition had taken a turn for the worse, reporting a life-threatening collapse of vital organs.

Doctors said earlier that Sharon was comfortable and not suffering.