Ariel Sharon Biography and Timeline — Page 2

Suez Bridgehead

Consolidates the Israeli bridgehead near Deversoir after the crossing of the Suez Canal.

Role range: 1973-1973

Suez Bridgehead

His division holds the canal bridgehead and helps divide the Egyptian Second and Third Armies.

Role range: 1973-1973

Likuud Party

Helps found the Likuud Party

Camp David Agreement

Ariel Sharon, as defense minister, directs the dismantling of Israeli settlements in the Sinai Peninsula

Rule of Sinai

Ariel Sharon, as defense minister, directs the dismantling of Israeli settlements in the Sinai Peninsula

Invasion of Lebanon

Israeli Defence Minister Ariel Sharon orders his forces to invade southern Lebanon to drive Palestine Liberation Organisation fighters out of the country. A 70-day siege by 30,000 Israeli troops leaves up to 14,000 Lebanese and Palestinian civilians dead

Invasion of Lebanon

Israel wipes out Syrian SAM missiles in Bekaa Valley

Bombing of Beirut

Israel stages heavy bombardments of Beirut, the United Nations Security council expresses its most serious concern about continued military activities in Lebanon, particularly in and around Beirut

Invasion of Lebanon

Israel stages heavy bombardments of Beirut, the United Nations Security council expresses its most serious concern about continued military activities in Lebanon, particularly in and around Beirut

UN Security Council

Israel stages heavy bombardments of Beirut, the United Nations Security council expresses its most serious concern about continued military activities in Lebanon, particularly in and around Beirut

Invasion of Lebanon

The Israeli army occupies Beirut

Resignation of Ariel Sharon

Resigns after an enquiry into the massacre of Palestinian refugees in West Beirut

Haram as Sharif

Palestinians initiate riots after Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon visits the Temple Mount, which is also the location of the Haram as Sharif holy to Muslims

Temple Mount Visit

Visits the Temple Mount Haram al Sharif before the outbreak of the Second Intifada.

Haram as Sharif

Palestinians initiate riots after Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon visits the Temple Mount, which is also the location of the Haram as Sharif holy to Muslims

Election

Right-wing Likud leader Ariel Sharon elected Prime Minister in Israel replacing Ehud Barak and promising "peace and security"

Role range: 2001-2006

Prime Minister of Israel

Appointed Prime Minister of Israel

Role range: 2001-2006

Prime Ministerial Election Victory

Sharon wins the direct election for prime minister amid public concern over security and the continuing breakdown of the peace process.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Intifada, 2nd

Takes office during escalating violence in the Second Intifada.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Intifada, 2nd

Sharon becomes Prime Minister as the Second Intifada intensifies.

Role range: 2000-2005

Unilateral Ceasefire Announcement

Sharon announces a unilateral Israeli ceasefire while the international community promotes the recently issued Mitchell Committee recommendations.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Targeted Killings

Approves intensified targeted operations against militants during the Second Intifada.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Assassination of Rehavam Ze'evi

Sharon's government responds after PFLP gunmen assassinate Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze'evi in retaliation for the killing of Abu Ali Mustafa.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Arafat Declared Irrelevant

Sharon's government declares that it will no longer treat Arafat as a relevant negotiating partner following a new wave of attacks.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Break in Diplomatic Relations with The Palestinian Authority

Breaks off relations with the Palestinian Authority

Role range: 2001-2006

Operation Defensive Shield

Orders a large West Bank operation after suicide bombings inside Israel.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Jenin Operation Begins

Sharon's government sends Israeli forces into Jenin as Operation Defensive Shield expands through major West Bank population centers.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Nablus Old City Fighting

Israeli troops enter the Old City of Nablus during intense urban fighting associated with Operation Defensive Shield.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Jenin Reservist Ambush

Thirteen Israeli reserve soldiers are killed in an ambush during fierce fighting in Jenin refugee camp, increasing domestic attention on the battle.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Seam Zone Construction Decision

Sharon's cabinet orders immediate construction of barrier sections in several areas as part of measures intended to prevent attacks inside Israel.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Operation Defensive Wall

Israel conducts operation Defensive Wall in the West Bank, following a large number of Palestinian suicide attacks on civilian targets

Role range: 2001-2006

Suicide

Israel conducts operation Defensive Wall in the West Bank, following a large number of Palestinian suicide attacks on civilian targets

Role range: 2001-2006

Phase One Barrier Approved

Sharon's cabinet approves the first phase of a continuous West Bank barrier while stating that the structure is intended as a security measure.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Separation Barrier

Approves construction of the West Bank separation barrier during the Second Intifada.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Barrier Phase One Route Approved

Sharon's government approves the final route for the first construction phase of the West Bank separation barrier and Jerusalem envelope.

Role range: 2000-2005 – 2001-2006

Intifada, 2nd

Israel begins building the West Bank separation barrier during the Second Intifada

Role range: 2000-2005

Election

Elections in Israel give wide margin (40 seats) to right wing Likud party, returning PM Ariel Sharon for another term

Role range: 2001-2006

Election

The Likuud Party wins 38 of the 120 seats, the most of all the parties

Peace

Israel & Palestine are handed a "road map" to peace in the Middle East

Role range: 2001-2006

Road Map for Peace

Accepts the Quartet Road Map with reservations.

Role range: 2001-2006