Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally offered condolences for Pope Francis’s passing three days after his death, signaling existing tensions between Israel and the late pontiff, who openly criticized Israel’s approach to the Gaza conflict.
Israeli PM Expresses Condolences Following Pope Francis’s Death, Amid Tensions
Israeli PM Expresses Condolences Following Pope Francis’s Death, Amid Tensions
The late pope's criticisms of Israel's actions during the Gaza conflict may have contributed to the delayed response.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a condolence statement on Thursday regarding the death of Pope Francis, more than three days after the pope's passing. This lag in response could indicate underlying tensions in the relationship, as Pope Francis was known for his vocal criticisms of Israel's military actions in Gaza and his calls for a humanitarian cease-fire.
The formal expression of sympathy from Netanyahu's office stated that “the State of Israel expresses its deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and the Catholic community worldwide at the passing of Pope Francis,” adding a wish for him to “rest in peace.” Interestingly, neither Netanyahu's office account nor his personal social media shared this statement, which is atypical given that he normally issues such statements promptly after significant figures pass away.
During his papacy, Francis made a heartfelt effort to support Gaza's Christian community, frequently reaching out to them and using major addresses to advocate for the entrance of humanitarian aid into Gaza, a cease-fire, and the release of hostages. His Easter Sunday message in 2024 particularly emphasized compassion for all victims of global conflicts, notably referencing those in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
