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Obama Reacts To Death Of Ariel Sharon, Former Israeli Prime Minister

Obama Reacts To Death Of Ariel Sharon
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President Barack Obama sent his "deepest condolences" Saturday to family members and the people of Israel on the loss of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Sharon died Saturday at age 85, eight years after a stroke left him in a coma from which he never awoke.

Below, Obama's full statement, as released by the White House:

On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the family of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and to the people of Israel on the loss of a leader who dedicated his life to the State of Israel. We reaffirm our unshakable commitment to Israel’s security and our appreciation for the enduring friendship between our two countries and our two peoples. We continue to strive for lasting peace and security for the people of Israel, including through our commitment to the goal of two states living side-by-side in peace and security. As Israel says goodbye to Prime Minister Sharon, we join with the Israeli people in honoring his commitment to his country.

UPDATE (12:30 p.m. ET): Vice President Joe Biden also released a statement on Sharon's passing. Biden will lead the U.S. delegation for the former Israeli prime minister's memorial service.

Jill and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Ariel Sharon. We send our condolences to his family and to his beloved nation of Israel. I look forward to leading the U.S. delegation to his memorial service, to pay respects to the man and to pay tribute to the unshakeable partnership between the United States and Israel.

For more on Sharon's life and career, click here.

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Before You Go

Ariel Sharon
(01 of09)
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Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon leans over housing plans as he meets with contractors who are building temporary housing for settlers due to be evacuated from the Gaza Strip under his disengagement plan Tuesday July 5, 2005 at the Nitzanim construction site in southern Israel. (AP Photo/ David Silverman/pool) (credit:AP)
(02 of09)
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This Tuesday, May 17, 2005 file picture released by the Israeli Government Press Office shows Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon looks at the area of the coastal strip of Nitzanim north of the Gaza Strip on a tour of the Nitzanim area which was proposed as the possible site for the relocation of thousands of Jewish settlers after their evacuation from the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Avi Ohayon/Government Press Office, File) (credit:AP)
(03 of09)
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In this Sunday Jan. 30, 2005 file photo, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon pauses during the weekly cabinet meeting in his Jerusalem office. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty, Pool, File) (credit:AP)
(04 of09)
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In this Sunday May 16, 2004 file photo, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon pauses during a news conference in his Jerusalem office regarding education reform. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty, File) (credit:AP)
(05 of09)
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Prime Minister-elect Ariel Sharon touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site located in east Jerusalem's Old City Wednesday, February 7, 2001. (AP Photo/Lefteris PItarakis) (credit:AP)
(06 of09)
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Israeli Defense Minister Ariel Sharon and three Israeli soldiers gaze out over Beirut International Airport on Aug.3 1982. (AP Photo) (credit:AP)
(07 of09)
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Israeli Defense Minister Ariel Sharon is surrounded by armed soldiers as he tours the West Bank, March 22, 1982, at the top of Mount Grizim, site of a future Israeli settlement. (AP Photo/Max Nash) (credit:AP)
(08 of09)
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Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, left, gestures as he speaks with Israeli Minister of Defense Ariel Sharon, during their meeting, Jan. 19, 1982. (AP Photo/Bill Foley) (credit:AP)
(09 of09)
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Ariel Sharon attends the proclamation ceremony of the Shlomzion party in this 1977 photo with his son Gilad, second left, wife Lily, third left, and son Omri, forth left. (AP Photo/Dudu Grunshpan) (credit:AP)
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