Israel holds a farewell ceremony for former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

On January 13, a memorial service for former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who passed away last weekend after nearly eight years in a vegetative state, was held at the Israeli Parliament building.

From noon on January 12th, thousands of Israelis lined up outside the Knesset (Parliament) in Jerusalem to pay their respects and mourn former Prime Minister Sharon. His body was kept at the Knesset for several hours to allow people to pay their respects.

Israeli citizens show respect for former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. (Source: AP)

According to the program, a state funeral will be held on January 13th, attended by members of Sharon's family, Israeli President Shimon Peres, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Several politicians and world leaders also attended the memorial service, including US Vice President Joe Biden and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, representing the "Quartet" group on Middle East peace. A military funeral will be held at Sharon's farm in Negev, southern Israel.

Following the passing of former Prime Minister Sharon, President Peres remarked: "He was one of the great defenders of the nation of Israel and one of its most important builders; he always knew how to make difficult decisions and implement them."

Prime Minister Netanyahu shared: "Ariel Sharon played a central role in the struggle for the security of the State of Israel. He was a courageous fighter and an outstanding general of the Israeli defense forces."

After leaving the military, he continued to serve the State of Israel, holding many key positions in the government. His image will never fade from the minds of the Israeli people.

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman also stated: "Ariel Sharon participated in historic moments of the State of Israel and will be remembered as a distinguished military commander."

He will go down in Israeli history as one of the most remarkable and influential figures.

Ariel Sharon served in the Israel Defense Forces for over 25 years and held the rank of Major General. He was first elected Prime Minister in February 2001.

In the 2003 election, Sharon and the Likud party won, and he became prime minister for a second term. In November 2005, he left the right-wing Likud party to form a new, more moderate party called the Kadima party.

Sharon took actions that drew opposition from hardline factions in Israel, such as withdrawing troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005, and making concessions in the West Bank.

After suffering a stroke on January 4, 2006, Sharon fell into a coma and passed away on January 11 of this year at the age of 85.

According to VNA