In brief
As tensions simmer in the wake of Pope Francis's death, Israel's delayed and lukewarm response has drawn scrutiny, signaling potential discord between the Israeli government and the Vatican.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has finally expressed condolences for Pope Francis, who passed away four days ago, with a terse statement that has sparked controversy within the country. An initial, warmer tweet from the official state account was inexplicably deleted, prompting questions regarding the underlying reasons for this muted reaction, particularly amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza.The official condolences were issued late on Thursday night, stating, "The State of Israel expresses its deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and the Catholic community worldwide at the passing of Pope Francis. May he rest in peace." However, this was a stark contrast to the original, more heartfelt message that had quickly been removed.Reports indicate that Israeli officials described the deletion of the first message as an error, with former ambassador Raphael Schutz criticizing the action as a significant mistake. The Israeli ambassador to the Vatican, Yaron Sideman, is set to represent the country at the Pope's funeral— significantly lower in stature compared to the attendance of heads of state from other nations, including U.S. President Donald Trump.While Israeli President Isaac Herzog shared a tribute to Pope Francis that praised him for his compassion, he, too, will not attend the funeral. Speculation suggests that this absence may correlate with the funeral coinciding with Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath.The Israeli government’s apparent discontent regarding Pope Francis’s outspoken support for the Palestinian cause during the Gaza conflict is further emphasized by his prior declarations that suggested a possible genocide classification for Israel's military actions. His last public address included pleas for the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis, underscoring his commitment to humanitarian discourse.Palestinian leaders are attending the funeral in significant numbers, showcasing their respect for the Pope, further illustrating the divide between their perception and that of the Israeli government. As Pope Francis offered solace to the beleaguered Christian community in Gaza, his empathetic approach became a point of contention for Israel’s coalition government, which views the Pope's actions as sympathetic to Palestinian narratives over the Israeli perspective.The evolving dynamics at the Pope’s funeral may symbolize the broader rifts between Israel and the Vatican, against the backdrop of an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
