![Ariel Sharon](https://israeled.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ariel-sharon.jpg)
A decorated military veteran and former Prime Minister, Sharon is often a controversial figure in Israel’s history. He was a commander in the Six Day and Yom Kippur Wars and as Minister of Defense launched the first Lebanon War in 1982. He championed Israeli settlement growth, however as Prime Minister, Sharon was responsible for the disengagement from the Gaza Strip in 2005.