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By CCTV correspondent Stephanie Freid

Israel buried former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at his family farm on Monday. The 85-year-old died on Saturday after suffering from a stroke eight years ago and being in a coma¹ ever since. As his coffin² made its way to Sharon's final resting place, thousands, including international dignitaries and former military allies, attended the somber³ service.

Israel honored former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon with a ceremony that began here at Jerusalem's parliament. Eulogies⁵, delivered by Israel's prime minister, president, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and U-S Vice⁴ President Joe Biden, recalled Sharon's staunch commitment to Israel's security and his military prowess. While at the same time, alluding⁶ to the controversies⁷ which also marked his career.

"From my observation he was a complex man, but to understand him better, I think, it's important to understand, history will judge, he also lived in complex times in a very complex neighborhood," Biden says.

Open to the public, thousands came to bid the former general farewell. Israel's chief of staff vowed⁸ that Israel's army would continue to follow in Sharon's footsteps. His two sons, both at his hospital bedside when he passed away, delivered moving eulogies about the larger-than-life man known at home as "the bulldozer".

"'Ariel', that is how I referred to you throughout much of my adult life. I had the privilege of being within the circle of people who worked for you and with you, the great privilege of seeing the seriousness, tremendous honor and dedication⁹ you allotted¹⁰ your role as prime minister," Sharon's son Omri Sharon says.

Dozens of wreaths were laid at the fresh grave site as an honor guard stood at attention. On an unseasonably temperate¹¹ January day the final chapter of Ariel Sharon's life closed here at his ranch¹², making way for the next chapter: his place in the annals of Israel's history.

In the eulogies, delivered here, people talked about Ariel Sharon the courageous¹³, fearless leader who left an indelible mark on the State of Israel. His sons said he was worthy¹⁴ of being a father and he has come home to his final resting place.