This week, Israel is grieving for one of its greatest leaders. Sharon, with an impressive military career, also held the posts of Minister of Defense, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Trade and Industry as well as Minister of Housing and Construction. Ariel Sharon was considered a controversial figure and despite initially being a vocal supporter of the Jewish settlements, in 2003 he presented a plan for unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2003, which surprised many.
The numerous obituaries and commentaries in the Israeli press refer to his remarkable leadership, his courage and his love for Israel, but also address criticism for his actions on his own authority and the harshness he showed in dealing with his military and political opponents.
Reactions of the Israeli Press on the death of Ariel Sharon:
Prof. Shlomo Avineri in Haaretz online, 11. January 2014: : Ariel Sharon: The leader who was almost de Gaulle
Mitch Ginsburg in The Times of Israel online, 11. January 2014: Israel's indomitable protector, Ariel Sharon emblemized militarz audacity, evolving politics
Tovah Lazaroff in Jerusalem Post online, 11. January 2014: Obituary: Ariel Sharon – A Bulldozer in War and Peace
Chemi Shalev in Haaretz online, 11. January 2014: Ariel Sharon’s contradictory life and legacy
Ron Ben-Yishai in Ynetnews online, 12. January 2014 Sharon was no warmonger, he just put Israel first
Gen.Maj. (d.R.) Yoav Galant in Israel Hayom online, 12. January 2014: Warrior, commander, leader
Eitan Haber in Ynetnews online, 12. January 2014: Ariel Sharon, the architect of Israel
MdK Tzachi HaNeghbi (Likud Beiteinu) in Israel Hayom online, 12. January 2014: Tough act to follow
Editorial in the Jerusalem Post online, 12. January 2014: Salute to Sharon
Amir Oren in Haaretz online, 12. January 2014: Ariel Sharon: Champion of controversy