Defiant Sharon shrugs off doubts over ability to remain in office

When challenged by a left-wing MP about his capacity to continue as premier while under suspicion of taking bribes, Sharon retorted that he "was able to do all the tasks the role called for".

Yossi Sarid, from the dovish Meretz party, was sharply rebuked by the chairman of the foreign affairs and defence committee who said it was not the place in which to confront the premier with such questions, the radio said.

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Israel's chief prosecutor Edna Arbel on Sunday recommended that attorney general Menachem Mazuz indict Sharon for receiving bribes from contractor David Appel.

Meanwhile judicial sources said the Supreme Court on Monday ordered Gilad Sharon to turn in all documents relevant to the investigation of his father.

Five judges determined that Sharon's son must hand over the documents to the police, the sources said.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed confidence Sharon would remain in power despite growing pressure over the scandal.

"I don't have the slightest doubt Sharon will continue to be prime minister. He was comfortably elected twice and he doubled the number of Likud's seats in parliament," Olmert told public radio.