Ariel Sharon, the Israeli general and former prime minister who proved such a controversial figure across the Middle East for more than five decades, died yesterday. He was 85. Nicknamed The Bulldozer for his tenacious approach to war and politics, Sharon suffered a serious stroke in 2006 and remained in a coma until his death. Scroll down for videos Iconic: This picture taken on November 16, 2005 shows former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon addressing a press conference in Jerusalem 'Departed peacefully': Hospital director professor Shlomo Noy today gave a press conference on the former prime minister's death Led away: Sharon's body is moved on to an ambulance while a policeman stands guard
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The former leader is one of Israel's most iconic and controversial figures
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He went into a coma following a devastating stroke in January 2006
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Sharon died on Saturday afternoon at Sheba Medical Centre near Tel Aviv
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His son Gilan told reporters that 'he had gone when he decided to'
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The hospital said he 'departed peacefully with his family at his side'
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David Cameron paid tribute to his 'brave and controversial decisions'
Middle East
Perhaps the only point of agreement is that he was one of the central characters in the turbulent drama of the @placeholder.