Former Israeli PM Ariel Sharon Dead At 85; "Arik Faded Eight Years Ago, And Now Finally Left Us"

After eight years in a coma, 85-year-old former Israeli Prime Minister passed away in a hospital near Tel Aviv on Saturday, Agence France-Presse reported.

"The Sheba Medical Centre in Tel HaShomer announces with sorrow the passing of former prime minister Ariel Sharon that was determined approximately an hour ago," senior doctor Professor Shlomo Noy told a news conference.

Having suffered a massive stroke in 2006, Sharon had been in a come since January. On New Year's Day, his condition turned worse when he suffered serious kidney problems after surgery.

"He's gone; he went when he decided to go," his son Gilad told reporters at the hospital, in remarks on Channel 2 television.

Sharon, named "The Bulldozer," was regarded by many Israelis to be a skilled but controversial political and military leader, AFP reported.

While senior Israeli officials dedicated tributes and hailed his memory, Palestinians accused him of having escaped international justice and were quick to title him as a "criminal."

Sharon's memory would "forever" be cherished, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. "The State of Israel bows its head over the passing of former prime minister Ariel Sharon," he said in a statement. "His memory will forever be held in the heart of the nation."

According to AFP, President Shimon Peres also expressed his grief.

"My dear friend, Arik (Ariel) Sharon, lost his final battle today," he said in a statement. "Arik was a brave soldier and a daring leader who loved his nation and his nation loved him. He was one of Israel's great protectors and most important architects, who knew no fear and certainly never feared vision. He will be greatly missed."

"Arik was a man I loved. They say great soldiers don't die, they fade away. Arik faded eight years ago, and now finally left us," said Justice Minister Tzipi Livni.

He was a "brave fighter, a commander, a leader (and) a farmer whose legs were firmly planted in Israel's soil."

Before starting a rocky political career in 1973, Sharon fought as a veteran soldier in all of Israel's major wars. His career ended suddenly when suffered from the stroke and never eventually recovered from it, AFP reported.