In brief
The death of Pope Francis has unveiled simmering tensions between Israel and the Vatican, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issuing a belated and watered-down message of condolences. Just four days posthumously, a two-sentence statement was finally made, generating a wave of speculation regarding Israel's ongoing discontent over the Pope’s outspoken criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The initial reaction from Israel’s official government account on social media was significantly warmer, describing the Pope as deserving of a blessing, but was hastily deleted without clear explanation. This deletion sparked considerable backlash, with various media outlets emphasizing its implications. Critics within Israel interpreted this as a misstep, particularly as the previous message had included an image of Francis at Jerusalem’s Western Wall.In stark contrast to the delegation set to attend from other countries, Israel plans to send only its Vatican ambassador, Yaron Sideman, to the papal funeral, raising eyebrows against the backdrop of dignitaries from major world leaders, like US President Donald Trump, who plan to be present. A poignant contrast is drawn with the 2005 funeral of Pope John Paul II, where Israel sent high-ranking officials including the president and the foreign minister.President Isaac Herzog expressed admiration for the Pope shortly after his death, citing his faith and compassion. However, Herzog’s absence from the funeral—despite there being speculation it may coincide with Shabbat—further underscores a rift that seems rooted in the Pope's critical stance on Israel’s military actions in recent months. Amidst the war in Gaza, Pope Francis’s calls for action on humanitarian issues and acknowledgment of suffering have resonated deeply within Palestinian communities, who have cherished his sentiments as sources of hope during tumultuous times. In a noteworthy gesture, the Palestinian Authority is sending their prime minister to pay respects at the funeral.The ongoing conflict and the Pope's alignments have cemented perceptions in Israel that he has sided with Palestine, causing a palpable strain in relations that will likely be reflected at his funeral, showcasing the complexities of diplomacy as influenced by ongoing socio-political dynamics.
