Ariel Sharon's service praised by lawmakers

 WASHINGTON – White House and congressional leaders mourned the death of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Saturday, calling him a dedicated leader who "maintained the courage of his convictions.''
"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,'' former President Bill Clinton said in a statement. "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.''
Sharon, 85, died Saturday.

The controversial and iconic leader was praised by Democrats and Republicans for his commitment and passion to Israel.
Sharon, a former military leader and defense minister who was called the "Bulldozer,'' forced Jewish settlers in 2005 to leave Gaza, ending 38 years of military administration of the territory.
Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, called Sharon "one of the greatest warrior-statesmen in modern history.''
"Sharon's contribution to establishing and defending Israel's independence is incalculable and his devotion to peace undisputed,'' he said in a statement.
In his later years, Sharon had developed a close working relationship with President George W. Bush, who called Sharon a "man of peace."