Ex-Israel PM Sharon Dead, Aged 85
Former Israeli premier Ariel Sharon died in hospital near Tel Aviv Saturday after eight years in a coma, prompting a flood of tributes in Israel but contempt from Palestinians. He was 85.
"He's gone," his son Gilad told reporters at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer. "He went when he decided to go."
The former war hero had been in a coma since January 4, 2006 after suffering a massive stroke. His condition took a sudden turn for the worse on New Year's Day when he suffered serious kidney problems after surgery.
Hospital chief Professor Shlomo Noy said Sharon's heart "had weakened" and he died at around 12:00 GMT.
Israeli press reports said there would be a state memorial service at the Knesset, or parliament, on Monday after which Sharon would be buried at his private ranch in the southern Negev desert.
Later on Saturday, the White House said that Vice President Joe Biden announced will lead U.S. representatives at Sharon's memorial service.
"I look forward to leading the U.S. delegation to his memorial service, to pay respects to the man and to pay tribute to the unshakeable partnership between the United States and Israel," a statement said.
"We send our condolences to his family and to his beloved nation of Israel," it added.
The burly white-haired politician was one of Israel's most skilled but controversial political and military leaders. Hailed by many Israelis as a statesman, his ruthless methods also earned him the moniker "The Bulldozer."
As news of his death emerged, tributes poured in from Israeli officials and from abroad but the Palestinians were quick to denounce him as a "criminal" who had escaped international justice.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed "deep sorrow" over the news and said Israel would "forever" cherish Sharon's memory.
"The State of Israel bows its head over the passing of former prime minister Ariel Sharon," he said in a statement.
"His memory will forever be held in the heart of the nation."
President Shimon Peres said Sharon would be "greatly missed."
"My dear friend, Arik (Ariel) Sharon, lost his final battle today," he said in a statement.
World leaders also sent condolences.
U.S. President Barack Obama paid tribute to him as a leader who "dedicated his life" to Israel, reaffirming Washington's commitment to its close ally.
"We continue to strive for lasting peace and security for the people of Israel, including through our commitment to the goal of two states living side-by-side in peace and security," it added.
Former U.S. president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary, an ex-Secretary of State, saying it was "an honor to work with him."
French President Francois Hollande also paid tribute, describing Sharon as "a central figure" in Israel's history.
As a soldier, Sharon fought in all of Israel's major wars before embarking on a turbulent political career in 1973 that ended dramatically when he suffered the stroke from which he never recovered.
Born in British-mandate Palestine on February 26, 1928, to parents from Belarus, Sharon was just 17 when he joined the Haganah, the pre-state militia that fought in the 1948 war of independence and eventually became the Israeli army.
Known throughout his military career for his boldness, Sharon also had a stubborn sense of independence which saw him surprising friends and foes alike.
Ever the maverick, Sharon later broke with his life-long rightwing convictions to push through an unprecedentedly bold plan to withdraw Israeli troops and 8,000 settlers from the Gaza Strip, earning him the hatred of his former nationalist and settler allies.
"Ariel Sharon was first and foremost a rare military leader who shaped the Israeli army," said Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, a bitter opponent of the Gaza pullout.
"Despite the differences of opinion along the way, I always valued his experience and leadership. The defense establishment.. bows its head today with his departure."
In the months after the Gaza withdrawal, Sharon abandoned his lifelong political home in Likud to form a new centrist party, Kadima, with the aim of effecting further, but limited, pullouts from the West Bank.
But just six weeks later, he was felled by a stroke at the height of his political career.
Source: Agence France Presse
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