Netanyahu 'kills' ex-PM Sharon

Speaking at minister's family event, prime minister says 'Ariel Sharon, may he rest in peace'

Ynet|Published: 09.05.11 , 23:02

Bibi makes faux pas: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mistakenly "buried" former PM Ariel Sharon during a family event held by the daughter of Interior Minister Eli Yishai Monday to celebrate her marriage.

Speaking at the function, Netanyahu said "Ariel Sharon, may he rest in peace," but immediately regained his composure and apologized, wishing the former prime minister a long life.

During the event, Netanyahu spoke about Minister Yishai's work and about the housing crisis. At one point, the serving PM noted that his recent housing reform includes changes that have "not been undertaken for 50 years, with the exception of one case – by Ariel Sharon, may he rest in peace."

Ariel Sharon served as Israel's prime minister in 2001-2006. In January of 2006 he suffered a stroke and has been in a coma ever since. After several years of treatment at the Sheba medical center near Tel Aviv, Sharon was moved back to his home in the Negev's Sycamore Ranch last year.

Since suffering the stroke, Sharon has not been able to communicate with those around him and has not been seen in public.