(CNN) -- Written on every page of Israel's history, in ink and in blood, is the name Ariel Sharon. His life, which ended today after an eight-year coma, deeply influenced Israel's past. But even in death, Sharon will influence the future, as Israelis consider their options if the two-state solution fails. During Israel's 1948 War of Independence, the handsome blond officer, known as "Arik," was shot and left for dead. He recovered and founded Israel's first commando unit, which conducted raids beyond Israel's borders. In the 1956 Sinai campaign, he led Israel's legendary paratroopers into clashes behind enemy lines. A successful general in the 1967 Six Day War, he achieved world fame six years later by spurring Israeli troops across the Suez Canal to encircle the Egyptian army in the Yom Kippur War. The image of Sharon, still blond but now stout, his head wrapped in a bloodied bandage, became iconic. His heroism was uniquely Israeli, built by breaking rules as well as orders, and by surrounding himself with controversy and myth.
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Michael Oren: Ariel Sharon, who died today, had pivotal, enduring effect on Israel
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He says as an Israeli warrior, he led troops in Six Day War, Yom Kippur War, gained fame
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He says in political career, he opposed peace, eventually pivoting toward it
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Oren: Two state solution best, but Israel can still end the occupation of Palestinians
In April 2002, he ordered Israeli forces to eradicate terror and restore peace to @placeholder neighborhoods.