My Comment:  Our hearts and prayers are with Israel, and Sharon’s Family.

Former Israeli prime minister and storied general Ariel Sharon, who was at the height of his power when he suffered a stroke in 2006 and fell into an irreversible coma, died Saturday at the age of 85.

Sharon died at Tel Hashomer hospital just outside Tel Aviv, where his family had gathered at his bedside over the past several days as his vital organs reportedly deteriorated. His death was first reported by Israeli Army radio.

Visiting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry addressed Sharon’s condition ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday.

“My thoughts are with the Sharon family as they sit in vigil with the former prime minister of Israel, Arik Sharon,” Kerry said, referring to Sharon by his nickname. “We remember his contributions, sacrifices he made to ensure the survival and the well-being of Israel, and I have many personal thoughts about my meetings with him on many different occasions — always robust and strong and clear about his positions.”

Sharon, an iconic figure who fought in three wars before entering politics, was elected prime minister in 2001. He suffered a stroke in January 2006, at the height of his political power, and remained comatose since then.

via Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon dies at 85 | Fox News.

Categories: news

Tags: Ariel Sharon, Israel