Shimon Peres, a former Israeli president and prime minister, died early Wednesday, a person close to him confirmed. Peres was 93.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss Peres' health with the media. The family said it would issue a formal announcement shortly.

Peres' condition worsened following a major stroke two weeks ago that led to bleeding in his brain. He was sedated and on a respirator during most of his hospitalization.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement mourning the passing of Peres. He said he will convene his Cabinet for a special session later in the day.

A dominant force in Israeli politics for more than 60 years, Peres held almost every major position in the country's government, including the posts of prime minister, foreign minister and defense minister.

Israeli statesman Shimon Peres famously signed a peace deal with then Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on the White House lawn in 1993. But, nearly a quarter of a century later his legacy with his neighbors is in tatters.

After the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 by a Jewish extremist, the peace deal was on the line and Peres stepped in as premier.

Peres chose, in 2005, to join the government and party of then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the man Palestinians hold responsible for the deaths of hundreds in the 1982 massacres in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps.