US President Barack Obama: "I send our deepest condolences to the family of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and to the people of Israel on the loss of a leader who dedicated his life to the State of Israel... As Israel says goodbye to Prime Minister Sharon, we join with the Israeli people in honoring his commitment to his country."
Former President George W. Bush: "I was honored to know this man of courage and call him friend. He was a warrior for the ages and a partner in seeking security for the Holy Land and a better, peaceful Middle East."
Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton: "Ariel Sharon gave his life to Israel - to bring it into being, to sustain and preserve it, and at the end of his long service, to create a new political party committed to both a just peace and lasting security. It was an honor to work with him, argue with him, and watch him always trying to find the right path for his beloved country."
US Secretary of State John Kerry: "Ariel Sharon's journey was Israel’s journey. The dream of Israel was the cause of his life, and he risked it all to live that dream... I will never forget meeting with this big bear of a man when he became Prime Minister as he sought to bend the course of history toward peace... He was prepared to make tough decisions because he knew that his responsibility to his people was both to ensure their security and to give every chance to the hope that they could live in peace... In his final years as Prime Minister, he surprised many in his pursuit of peace, and today, we all recognize, as he did, that Israel must be strong to make peace, and that peace will also make Israel stronger. We honor Arik’s legacy and those of Israel’s founding generation by working to achieve that goal."
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: “Throughout a life dedicated to the State of Israel, Ariel Sharon was a hero to his people, first as a soldier and then a statesman. Prime Minister Sharon will be remembered for his political courage and determination to carry through with the painful and historic decision to withdraw Israeli settlers and troops from the Gaza Strip.”
British Prime Minister David Cameron: "Ariel Sharon is one of the most significant figures in Israeli history and as Prime Minister he took brave and controversial decisions in pursuit of peace, before he was so tragically incapacitated. Israel has today lost an important leader."
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper: “A renowned military leader, Mr. Sharon pursued the security of Israel with unyielding determination that was recognized by friends and foes alike. He also played a central role in the Israeli government for several years, changing the political landscape through his leadership and vision."
French President François Hollande: "Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was a major actor in the history of his country. After a long military and political career, he chose to turn to dialogue with the Palestinians."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel praised Sharon as a "Israeli patriot who has rendered great service to his country. With his courageous decision to withdraw the Israeli settlers from the Gaza Strip, he took a historic step on the path to a settlement with the Palestinians and a two-state solution.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolence on the passing of the former Prime Minister of Israel, an outstanding statesman and military commander Ariel Sharon, praising Ariel Sharon’s personal qualities, his activity to uphold the interests of Israel, noting the respect he enjoyed among his compatriots and internationally.