Knesset Marks 2 Year Anniversary of Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s Death

Jerusalem, 29 February, 2016 (TPS) -- In a special plenary session this evening, the Knesset is marking two years since the death of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in early January of 2014. Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein opened up the ceremony, followed by addresses given by both Prime Minister Netanyahu and Opposition Head Yitzchak Herzog (Zionist Camp).

Sharon, who served as Prime Minister from 2001-2006 went into a coma in January of 2006 after suffering a stroke.

Sharon also served as Defense Minister during Israel’s First Lebanon War. Formerly a member of the Likud party, Sharon founded the now-defunct Kadima party in the fall of 2005 after facing significant opposition within the Likud party to make further concessions following the “Disengagement” from Gaza.