Binyamina mayor, a wounded vet, dies from heart attack in Vietnam

The head of the Binyamina Regional Council in Israel’s north died on Saturday after suffering a heart attack while vacationing with his family in Vietnam, the Foreign Ministry said.

Pinhas Zoaretz, 53, was a colonel in the IDF before becoming the regional council head in 2013.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that the Israeli embassy in Vietnam was in touch with Zoaretz’s family and is working to return his body to Israel for burial.

The date of his funeral has yet to be announced.

Zoaretz was wounded in an explosion targeting his vehicle in the Gaza Strip that cost him part of his leg. After a lengthy rehabilitation process and extensive surgery, he returned to active duty.

In a post on his Facebook page, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said Saturday that “he heard with great sorrow” of Zoaretz’s death, who he said had served with “great determination” during his military career, which among other roles included commanding the Southern Gaza Regional Brigade during the Second Intifada.

Former IDF chief of staff and defense minister Moshe Ya’alon said his “head was bowed” in respect for Zoaretz, “a warrior and commander who was seriously wounded as a brigade commander, recovered and continued to contribute to society with his leadership and personal example.”

Interior Minister Aryeh Deri praised Zoaretz as an “inspiring” and “legendary officer.”

“A legendary officer, who was wounded in the Gaza Strip, battled in an inspiring manner and rehabilitated [from his injuries]. With the same determination he also led the Binyamina Regional Council to great accomplishments,” Deri wrote on Twitter.

Yesh Atid party chairman Yair Lapid hailed Zoaretz for his bravery.

“He always appeared to be someone that nothing could subdue. Not the tough battles in which he participated, not the injury in which he lost his leg and afterwards returned to active service,” Lapid said.

“In the end his great heart gave out. He will be missed by all of us,” he added.

Housing Minister Yoav Galant, Zoaretz’s former commander as head of southern command from 2005 to 2010, said Saturday that “the nation has lost one of its best sons.”

Zoaretz is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons.