Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has died at the age of 85.

He died today in a hospital near Tel Aviv, eight years after going into a coma after suffering a stroke.

His health had sharply deteriorated over the past week, and he passed away with his family by his side.

Sharon was a commander in the military from the day Israel came into being in 1948. He went on to hold many political positions, and was elected Prime Minister in 2001.

Prime Minister Harper, in a statement, said Sharon was “a renowned military leader” who “pursued the security of Israel with unyielding determination that was recognized by friends and foes alike.”