Ariel Sharon
Ariel Sharon is the former Prime Minister of Israel. Sharon held the position from March 2001 until April 2006. On January 4, 2006, Sharon suffered a massive stroke, his second, at which time he fell into a coma. It has since been determined there is little chance he will ever emerge from the coma. 1
Fast Facts
- Born: February 26, 1928
- Political party: Kadima
- Held office: 2001-2006
- Preceded by: Ehud Barak
- Succeeded by: Ehud Olmert
- 1962: First wife, Margalit, died in a car accident
- 1967: Son, Gur, killed in an accidental shooting 2
- 2000: Second wife, Lily, died of cancer
Political Timeline
Military Beginnings
Sharon fought in the 1948 Arab Israeli War. The war ended the British Mandate of Palestine and established the state of Israel. Sharon was a platoon commander in the Alexandroni Brigade during the war. In the 1950s, Sharon led attacks on civilian and military targets. These military campaigns gave Sharon the reputation of being a tough commander. In 1974, Sharon was relieved of all military duties. 1
Categories