In brief
Summary: Israel's belated and subdued condolences for Pope Francis, alongside minimal funeral representation, highlight a growing rift due to the Pope's vocal support for Palestinians during the Gaza war.
In the wake of Pope Francis's death, Israel's response has been notably reserved, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office only offering condolences four days after the pontiff's passing. Initially, a warm message shared on social media was mysteriously deleted, igniting controversy and highlighting Israel's discomfort with the Pope's outspoken stance on the Gaza conflict. The Prime Minister's office later issued a brief statement announcing Israel's condolences to the worldwide Catholic community, in stark contrast to the prior, more heartfelt message that featured a photograph of Pope Francis at Jerusalem's Western Wall, which was withdrawn without explanation. Media reports suggest the initial message was posted by mistake, although Israeli officials have pointed out that the current ambassador to the Vatican did share condolences in person.Israel's representation at the Pope's funeral this Saturday will be limited to Vatican ambassador Yaron Sideman, a far cry from the numerous heads of state attending, including U.S. President Donald Trump. When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, Israel sent high-ranking officials, including the then-President Moshe Katsav, which amplifies the current perceived snub.In the immediate aftermath of the Pope's passing, Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed grief and respect, but he is reportedly not attending the funeral, likely due to its timing on Shabbat. The Israeli government's response seems deeply intertwined with Pope Francis's previous criticisms of its military actions in Gaza, which he had suggested could amount to genocide—a stance vehemently rejected by Israel. Pope Francis's final public address on Easter Sunday emphasized the suffering endured by both Palestinians and Israelis, further demonstrating his commitment to dialogue and hope amid conflict. His compassion has resonated with Palestinians, evidenced by the delegation of Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa attending the funeral. This juxtaposition has fueled claims among right-wing factions within Israel that the Pope favored Palestinians, potentially further straining relations between Israel and the Vatican. As world leaders prepare to honor Pope Francis in Rome, the absence of Israeli leaders will undoubtedly signal a significant diplomatic rift stemming from the ongoing tensions in Gaza.
