The director of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art has died at the age of 70.

Professor Mordechai Omer, known as Moti, was diagnosed with cancer six months ago.

Prof Omer, who was also the museum's curator, was a member of the international advisory board of the Ben Uri Gallery and the founder of the Tel Aviv University Art Gallery.

Born in Haifa, he worked at galleries around the world, including the Ashmolean in Oxford, and wrote books and articles on a range of subjects including the artist Turner.

David Glasser of the Ben Uri praised Prof Omer as "a scholar of great distinction" and "a considered and imaginative curator".

"He was a unique character and force for good throughout his life of service to the museum and cultural life in Israel," said Mr Glasser.