(UPDATE) Former Israeli Prime Minister Sharon dies at 85

JERUSALEM — The hospital that had been treating Ariel Sharon says the former Israeli Prime Minister has died.

Hospital spokesman Dr. Shlomo Noy said Saturday: "The Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer announces with sorrow the death of Mr. Ariel Sharon who passed about an hour ago."

He said that during the years Sharon had been treated his condition was defined as "minimal consciousness" and he had had "ups and downs."

"Today his heart weakened and he peacefully departed from his family who were always at his side with love and support."