Netanyahu: The state of Israel bows its head at Sharon's passing

Israelis are beginning a short period of mourning for ex-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon who has died aged 85 of heart failure after eight years in a coma.

The public will pay their respects when his body lies in state on Sunday before a private burial on Monday.

Israeli and world figures have paid tribute to a man who fought in four major wars before taking to the political stage.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Natanyahu, paid tribute to ''a courageous fighter and an outstanding general''.