Ariel Sharon (jan 1, 2001 – jan 1, 2006)

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Ariel Sharon became prime minister in 2001 during the Second Intifada. A former general, he was known as a tough military and political figure. His government launched major security operations and built the security barrier/wall in response to terror attacks.

His most dramatic decision was the 2005 disengagement from Gaza, when Israel removed settlements and soldiers from the Gaza Strip. This shocked many of his former supporters and led him to leave Likud and form Kadima. Sharon suffered a major stroke in 2006 and never returned to office.

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