Ariel Sharon, the former prime minister and ex-general who embodied Israel’s military might, has died, Israeli radio and television announced on Saturday.
The 85-year-old Sharon had been in a coma at the Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv for eight years after suffering a stroke in 2006.
Despised by Arabs for his hardline policies, Sharon was respected by Israelis for his military prowess and patriotism.
Martin Fletcher, correspondent, NBC News Recommended
