In the 1967 Six Day War, Ariel Sharon led the Israeli invasion of the Sinai Desert.
In 1982 he was held responsible for the Sabra and Shatila Massacre, and declared unfit to hold ministerial office.
In 2001, as leader of the Likud Party, Sharon became Prime Minister of Israel.
In 2005 he formed a new party - Kadima - and unilaterally withdrew Israeli soldiers and settlers from the Gaza Strip.
In 2006 he suffered a massive heart attack from which he never recovered.