Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement today regarding the death of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon:

“Ariel Sharon lived a full life dedicated to serving his beloved nation. As a member of Israel’s founding generation, he helped the Jewish state become the vibrant thriving democracy it is today.

“My wife Jeanette and I send our condolences to his family and to the people of Israel as they mourn his passing.”