Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon died Jan. 11 after eight years in a stroke-induced coma.
Sharon was widely known for his military victories as a general in the Israeli army in addition to the controversial, hardline policies he implemented as a political figure.
Sharon was exonerated by many Israelis for an avid dedication to his country, and viewed by Arabs as a villain.
After becoming the defense minister of Israel, Sharon was accused of allowing the killings of more than 800 Palestinian civilians in 1982. A Lebanese Christian paramilitary group was allowed to enter a Palestinian refuge camp in Beruit that was under the protection of Sharon’s soldiers. This event led to him receiving the nickname “The Butcher” from Arabs.
Sharon believed that Israel has a holy right to the land occupied by both Palestinians and Israelis. Those who agreed with Sharon admired his prowess in major battles such as Israel’s war of independence in 1948, and the war of 1973.
President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both declared Sharon as a man dedicated wholeheartedly to Israel.
Sharon is survived by his three sons Gilad, Omri and Gur.