Ariel Sharon through the years

Israeli army colonel Ariel Sharon is seen in this file picture taken February 16, 1966 and released on January 10, 2006 by the Israeli Government Press Office. (Reuters)

July 15, 1982: Israeli Defence Minister Ariel Sharon laughs as his wife Lily stands at his side during an aerial display in an Israeli Air Force Base in this handout photo released by the Government Press Office. (Reuters)

May 6, 1985: Israel's Minister of Industry and Trade Ariel Sharon sits in a session of Israel's parliament in Jerusalem in this file photo released by the Government Press Office. (Reuters)

Dec. 1, 1998: Israeli Defense Minister Ariel Sharon (R) in a helicopter as he escorts Texas Governor George Bush (L) and Governor Mike Leavitt of Utah on a tour over Israel and the West Bank territories. (Reuters)

Feb 7, 2001: Prime Minister elect Ariel "Arik" Sharon touches the stones of the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, as he prays while visiting Judiasm's holiest site in Jerusalem's Old City the morning after being elected as Israel's next prime minister. (Reuters)

Oct. 15, 2001: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sits in the Knesset, or parliament,before the opening of the winter session. (Reuters)

Apr. 11, 2005: US president George W. Bush offers chocolates to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon during their meeting at the Presidential ranch in Crawford, Texas. (Reuters)

Aug 15, 2005: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon gives a televised address to the nation from Jerusalem. (Reuters)