Family and friends of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's have marked the fourth anniversary of his massive stroke. Sharon, 81, has never regained consciousness from the stroke he suffered on 4 January 2006 and has since remained in a coma. He lives in a long-term care facility in Ra'anana. Family and friends visit frequently, according to media reports.
Sharon was elected prime minister as head of the Likud Party in 2001 and formed the new centrist Kadima Party to run in the country's 2006 elections. He oversaw Israel’s complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005. Sharon was succeeded by Ehud Olmert as prime minister, who successfully contested the 2006 elections.
Medical experts believe it is unlikely that Ariel Sharon will ever come out of the coma.
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