The late Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is laid to rest

Ariel Sharon, Israel’s 11th Prime Minister, aged 85, was laid to rest with full military honors Monday afternoon on a hill near his farm in southern Israel alongside his late wife Lily, at is request. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. General Benny Gantz delivered the eulogy. The coffin was borne by eight major-generals. The ceremony, conducted by the military rabbinate, was attended by Israel’s top officials, representatives of 22 foreign countries led by Vice President Joe Biden, and members of the bereaved Sharon family.  One after another, each laid wreaths at the new grave. Due to its proximity to the Gaza Strip, an Iron Dome missile interceptor was deployed near the site, while 800 police officers secured the assembled dignitaries. About two or three hundred members of the general public turned out as spectators.