Obama: Sharon ‘dedicated’ life to Israel

President Obama offered his condolences after the death of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Saturday, saying Sharon was a leader “who dedicated his life to the State of Israel.”

Obama said he was joining with the Israeli people to honor Sharon’s “commitment to his country.” The statement released Saturday morning did not delve into any details of Sharon’s life as a military leader and prime minister of Israel.

{mosads}“We reaffirm our unshakable commitment to Israel’s security and our appreciation for the enduring friendship between our two countries and our two peoples,” Obama said. “We continue to strive for lasting peace and security for the people of Israel, including through our commitment to the goal of two states living side-by-side in peace and security.”

“As Israel says goodbye to Prime Minister Sharon, we join with the Israeli people in honoring his commitment to his country,” he continued.

Sharon died Saturday after spending eight years in a coma after suffering a stroke while prime minister in 2006.

Vice President Joe Biden also sent his condolences to Sharon’s family. “I look forward to leading the U.S. delegation to his memorial service, to pay respects to the man and to pay tribute to the unshakeable partnership between the United States and Israel,” he said in a statement.

This story was updated at 12:00 p.m.