Noted Israeli archaeologist Netzer dies

Expert famous for excavating King Herod's winter palace

JERUSALEM - Ehud Netzer, an Israeli archaeologist best known for excavating King Herod's winter palace and discovering the monarch's tomb there, has died after falling at the site this week. He was 76.

Netzer led numerous high-profile digs over decades of work in a country where the ancient past plays a central part in national life and where archaeologists have sometimes become leading public figures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement mourning his death.