'Ariel Sharon's legacy is entwined with Israel's history'

"The State of Israel bows its head and mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Ariel Sharon played a central role in the struggle for the security of the State of Israel throughout its years. He was, first and foremost, a courageous fighter and an outstanding general, and was among the IDF's greatest commanders," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday evening in a statement eulogizing Sharon, who died earlier in the day.

"From his youth he served the people of Israel on the battlefield. He did so as a soldier in the War of Independence, a commander in the [1956] Sinai campaign and the Six-Day War, and up to his decisive role in the battle over the Suez Canal that led to the turning point in the Yom Kippur War.

"He established Unit 101 and took the initiative in the war against terrorism, which became a central pillar of the State of Israel. Upon leaving the military, he continued to work on behalf of the people of Israel both in his many government roles and as the 11th prime minister of the State of Israel. His memory will be forever enshrined in the heart of the nation," Netanyahu said.

"The State of Israel mourns the death of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. He was a brave leader and an outstanding military commander. He loved his people and his people loved him," President Shimon Peres eulogized Sharon.

"He was a great architect of this nation. He turned the tides of the Yom Kippur war, making what could have been a defeat into a surprising victory. He knew no fear and he did not shy away from making difficult decisions, which he implemented courageously, in times of war and in times of peace.

"The world will remember him as a unique leader and a man of great character. He was an exemplary family man who thought of the public as his extended family. He was also a close personal friend and I will miss him greatly. Our hearts go out to Omri and Gilad, who did not leave his side until the very last moment. Arik, you were made from dust, and to dust you will return. May you rest in peace," Peres said.

"Ariel Sharon's life and legacy are entwined with the State of Israel," Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said Saturday. "His presence in our country's most crucial junctures is forever embedded in our nation's history. He was a son of this land, to which he dedicated his life, often while placing himself in mortal danger."

"The Israel Defense Forces mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon," IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz said. "Sharon's life story and the IDF's history are one. Arik was an example and a role model for generations of soldiers and commanders. His legacy will continue to guide us as we stand watch for Israel's defense."

'Larger than life'

International Relations, Intelligence and Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz said, "The people of Israel have lost a great and dear man, a great leader and a courageous military commander. The key role Sharon had played in Israel's security was invaluable and he will forever be remembered in Israel's history."

National Infrastructure, Energy, and Water, Regional Cooperation, and Negev and Galilee Development Minister Silvan Shalom said in a statement: "Ariel Sharon was a hero of Israel, a giant of this nation. The State of Israel owes Sharon the soldier, the commander and the statesman a great debt."

Culture and Sport Minister Limor Livnat said, "Sharon dedicated his life to Israel's defense and to its political and public leadership. I remember a man of culture, a man of humor -- a warm family man with strong tenacity and great determination."

"Ariel Sharon was larger than life," Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar said. "He never followed other people's path and he was a daring leader. You could agree with him or disagree with him -- but he changed Israel's history time and again."

Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who lost to Sharon in the 2001 elections, said: "Ariel Sharon was one of the founding fathers of Israel's defense, security and strength."

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who was sworn in after Sharon was rendered comatose, called him "one of the greatest soldiers in Israel's history. His life story is unique and fascinating, immersed in courage, human warmth, vision and leadership -- right when the State of Israel needed it the most."

"Arik was a farmer, a fighter and a prime minister who became the father of a great nation, but most of all, he was a person I loved," Hatnuah Chairwoman and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said Saturday.

"Sharon was one of Israel's foremost leaders and one of its deepest-running roots. A brave soldier, a fearless commander on both the military and political battlefields and a personal friend," Yesh Atid Chairman and Finance Minister Yair Lapid said.

"This is a sad day for the State of Israel. We bid farewell to a great military commander, a realistic statesman, a brave politician and most of all -- a true leader," Science and Technology Minister Yaakov Peri said.

"Ariel Sharon accompanied the State of Israel since its inception and until his last breath. He was part of the events that shaped its character and he will be remembered as one of the people who was instrumental to the state," said Yisrael Beytenu Chairman and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

"History will remember Sharon as a great leader," Labor Chairman and Opposition Leader MK Isaac Herzog said. "We might not have seen eye to eye politically, but you cannot help but admire and respect a man who knew how to adapt his worldview to navigate Israel correctly."

"Sharon was a fighter, a commander and a statesman, whose personal history is interlinked with the State of Israel. All differences aside, I will always remember his great contribution to this country," Transportation and Road Safety Minister Yisrael Katz said.

Shas Chairman MK Aryeh Deri noted that "Arik was always very respectful, despite any political difference. The people of Israel are in debt to him for his fearless fighting against Israel's enemies."

A statement by the Yesha Council, the umbrella organization of municipal councils of Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria, said: "On this day, when a man passes on to meet his maker, we will remember the good he has done and his significant contribution to the State of Israel and the settlement enterprise over the past decades."

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