DHAKA: Israel’s former prime minister Ariel Sharon was laid to rest near his Sycamore Ranch in the Negev on Anemone Hill in a military burial Monday afternoon.

The ceremony attracted thousands of mourners from across the political spectrum, reports The Jerusalem Post.

Following the Knesset ceremony Monday morning, the procession continued to Latrun, where a special meeting of the IDF’s general staff was being held.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz said at the Negev funeral that generations of fighters came to the funeral to bid Sharon farewell.

Gantz recalled Sharon as a warrior, music lover, farmer and spoke of Sharon’s creation of Unit 101 in his fight against terror and his determination to carry out his mission.

‘I came to tell you that the IDF you so cherished will continue in your footsteps for many years,’ Gantz said at Sharon’s graveside.

The former premier’s two sons, Omri and Gilad Sharon both spoke during the ceremony near the ranch.

Omri said, speaking to his father, ‘I was privileged to work with you & watch you worry over Israel’s future’.

BDST: 1913 HRS, JAN 13, 2014
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor