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Ariel SharonMinister
Date of Birth: 27.02.1928
Country:  Israel |
Content:
- Ariel Sharon: The Man and His Legacy
- Rise through the Ranks
- Sinai Campaign and Rise to Prominence
- Six-Day War
- Entry into Politics
- Yom Kippur War
- Transition to Civilian Life
- Minister of Agriculture
- Minister of Defense
- Military and Foreign Policy Views
- Legacy
- Retirement and Personal Life
Ariel Sharon: The Man and His Legacy
Early Life and Military CareerAriel Scheinerman was born in 1928 to Central European immigrants who settled on a farm north of Tel Aviv. He would later adopt the Hebrew name Sharon and immersed himself in the labor movement's Zionist ideology. At 14, he joined the Haganah, a Jewish paramilitary organization.
Rise through the Ranks
In 1948, the year Israel declared its independence, Sharon fought in the first Arab-Israeli war despite being unfinished with his agriculture studies. He twice suffered severe injuries but returned to action. At 22, he became a reconnaissance unit commander.
In 1953, Sharon formed the elite Special Forces unit 101, which was a predecessor of the Sayeret Matkal. Its brutal tactics against Arab terrorists shaped his views on terrorism and the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Sinai Campaign and Rise to Prominence
During the Sinai Campaign of 1956, Sharon commanded a paratrooper brigade. His meteoric rise continued after the war, and he held various command positions in armored units and as head of the IDF's Combat Training Department.
Six-Day War
In the Six-Day War of 1967, Sharon led the armored force that breached Egyptian lines. His aggressive approach led to success but also tensions with his superiors.
Entry into Politics
Disillusioned with his slow career advancement, Sharon considered retiring from the military before the 1969 Knesset elections. Liberal parties sought to recruit him as their "general" candidate, but he remained in the army after being promised top positions.
In 1969, he became commander of the Southern Command, Israel's most important military region. He advocated for an offensive defense strategy, which he employed in operations across the Suez Canal during the "War of Attrition" (1970-1972).
Yom Kippur War
Sharon retired from the military just one month before the Yom Kippur War. However, he immediately returned to serve and helped the Israeli army overcome its initial setbacks, achieving deep penetration into the Sinai Peninsula.
Transition to Civilian Life
After the war, Sharon leveraged his military success to pursue a political career. He joined the Liberal Party, which aligned with his right-wing views. He played a key role in forming the Likud party, which eventually came to power.
Minister of Agriculture
As Minister of Agriculture, Sharon focused on establishing Israeli settlements in occupied territories, a move that defied international consensus on the future of these areas.
Minister of Defense
In 1981, Sharon became Minister of Defense. He expanded Israel's defense perimeter beyond immediate Arab neighbors and attempted to influence intelligence agencies, recognizing their strategic importance.
Military and Foreign Policy Views
Sharon's military and foreign policy views were bold and controversial. He advocated for a broad defensive posture that extended to distant regions. He also attempted to implement these views through various projects, including military partnerships and covert operations.
Legacy
Ariel Sharon's legacy is complex and polarizing. Supporters see him as a formidable warrior and a pragmatic statesman. Detractors criticize his military tactics and his uncompromising political views. However, his military acumen is widely acknowledged, and his campaigns are studied in military academies.
Retirement and Personal Life
Today, Sharon lives on his family farm outside Tel Aviv. He actively supports Jewish causes and remains a prominent figure in Israeli society. His unconventional approach and unwavering determination have made him a larger-than-life figure in the annals of Israeli history.
