Flags lowered in Mississippi to honor Peres

Gov. Phil Bryant ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in memory of former Israeli president and prime minister, Shimon Peres. It applies to state and U.S. flags on state property.

Peres died Wednesday at the age of 93. His body lies in state at the Knesset in Jerusalem. A state funeral will be held Friday.

Peres was hospitalized two weeks ago after suffering a stroke that led to bleeding in his brain. He has been sedated and on a respirator during most of his hospitalization.

Peres, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was the elder statesman of Israeli politics, one of the country's most admired leaders and the last surviving link to its founding fathers.

Over a seven-decade career, he held virtually every senior political office, including three stints as prime minister.

Flags are to remain at half-staff until sunset Sept. 30.