Israelis flocked to parliament yesterday to catch a glimpse of Ariel Sharon’s coffin and pay their final respects to the former prime minister and general.
“Words escape me. He was just a man who was larger than life,” said Shlomo Mann, 68, who served under his command in the 1973 Middle East war.
“Those who didn’t know him from up close can’t truly understand what a legend he was. There will never be anyone else like him.”
The 85-year-old died on Saturday, eight years after a devastating stroke left him in a coma.
In a career that stretched across much of Israel’s 65-year existence, his life was closely intertwined with the country’s history. He was a leader known for his exploits on the battlefield, masterminding Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, building Jewish settlements on war-won land and then, late in life, destroying some that he deemed no longer useful when he withdrew from the Gaza Strip.
As one of Israel’s most famous generals, the man known as “Arik” was renowned for bold tactics and an occasional refusal to obey orders. To his supporters, he was a war hero; to his critics, a war criminal.
President Shimon Peres – a lifelong friend and rival – and former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who succeeded Mr Sharon after the 2006 stroke, were among those who paused before the closed flag-draped coffin displayed in a plaza in front of the Knesset and surrounded by an honour guard.
A state memorial is planned for today at parliament followed by a funeral service at Mr Sharon’s ranch in southern Israel.
US vice-president Joe Biden and former British prime minister Tony Blair and others are expected to attend the ceremonies.
President Barack Obama said: “We join with the Israeli people in honouring his commitment to his country.” He also used the occasion to reaffirm “our unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security”.