Ariel Sharon

{{Audio|He-Ariel Sharon.ogg|Ariel Sharon}} (Hebrew: אריאל שרון, born February 27, 1928) is a long-serving Israeli political and military leader, and has been Prime Minister of Israel since March 2001, the eleventh holder of that office. He is also leader of Likud, the largest party in the governing coalition of political parties in the Israeli Knesset (parliament). He was born Ariel Scheinermann and is also often known by his nickname Arik.

Related Topics:
Hebrew - February 27 - 1928 - Israeli - Prime Minister of Israel - 2001 - Likud - Knesset

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Sharon is a controversial figure, both inside and outside Israel, attracting diverse and often polar views. Many Israelis and supporters of Israel regard Sharon as a strong leader battling terrorism and promoting Zionism. Conversely, many Arabs and supporters of the Arab-Palestinian cause and some other critics refer to him as "the Butcher of Beirut"http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1156796.stm http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?020107fa_FACT1 and have sought his prosecution as a war criminal. His opponents on the Israeli right believe he is compromising too much with the Palestinian leadership and unnecessarily giving up Israeli land in return for what they say is an illusory and undeliverable promise of peace.

Related Topics:
Terrorism - Zionism - Arab - Palestinian - Beirut - War criminal

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