Israel's envoy to the UN, Danny Danon, on Saturday eulogized Major General Francis Vib-Sanzari, commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights, saying that "his experience and leadership guided UNDOF in a complex and challenging period that included Iranian entrenchment in Syria and Hezbollah activity in the area that challenged the force in their work."
Ambassador Danon issued a condolence note on behalf of Israel to the general's family.
The IDF published a statement on Saturday night, saying, "IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, IDF officers, and soldiers are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of the UNDOF head Major General Francis Vib-Sanziri. His hard work and unwavering commitment to regional stability were truly appreciated. He will be sorely missed."
Vib-Sanzari died unexpectedly from a heart attack on Friday during a visit to Eilat at the age of 62.
Vib-Sanziri, who has headed UNDOF since October 2017, was originally from Ghana. He is survived by a wife and two daughters.