Arik Sharon

Ariel "Arik" Sharon (February 27, 1928 – January 11, 2014) was an Israeli military officer and politician who became one of the most influential and polarizing figures in Israeli history. Rising through the military ranks, Sharon earned a reputation as a daring and aggressive commander, particularly during the 1973 Yom Kippur War where his bold strategies were credited with turning the tide of battle. He later entered politics and served as Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006, a period marked by intense Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Despite his hawkish military background, Sharon made the controversial decision to implement the disengagement plan, withdrawing Israeli settlers and military from Gaza in 2005—a move that shocked many of his right-wing supporters but was seen by others as pragmatic. Sharon suffered a severe stroke in January 2006 that left him in a permanent vegetative state until his death in 2014. His legacy remains deeply contested, viewed as either a heroic defender of Israel or a controversial military leader responsible for civilian casualties.