Vice President Joe Biden will lead US representatives at Ariel Sharon's memorial service, the White House said on Saturday, in a brief statement following the former Israeli prime minister's death.

"I look forward to leading the US delegation to his memorial service, to pay respects to the man and to pay tribute to the unshakeable partnership between the United States and Israel," the statement said.

"We send our condolences to his family and to his beloved nation of Israel," it added.