Israel’s Low-Profile Response to Pope Francis’s Death Reflects Tensions Over Gaza War
The Israeli government’s reaction to Pope Francis’s death has drawn attention, with a notably muted response and absence of senior officials at his funeral—highlighting tensions between Israel and the Vatican over the war in Gaza.
Four days after the pontiff’s death, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a brief two-sentence condolence message, in stark contrast to more personal tributes from other world leaders.
An earlier, warmer condolence tweet from Israel’s official X account, featuring an image of Pope Francis at Jerusalem’s Western Wall, was swiftly deleted without explanation, further fueling controversy.
Israeli media reported the deletion, with the Jerusalem Post quoting foreign ministry officials calling the original post an “error.” Former Israeli ambassador to the Vatican, Raphael Schutz, criticized the decision, calling it a diplomatic mistake.
Low-Level Representation at the Funeral
Unlike other major nations sending heads of state, Israel is represented only by its ambassador to the Vatican, Yaron Sideman, at Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome. This is a stark contrast to Israel’s strong representation at the 2005 funeral of Pope John Paul II, when both the President and Foreign Minister attended.
Although Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a heartfelt tribute to the late Pope, he will not attend the funeral. No official reason was provided, though the event coincides with the Jewish Sabbath.
Gaza War a Point of Friction
The Israeli government’s lukewarm response is widely seen as reflecting resentment over Pope Francis’s vocal criticisms of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Last November, the Pope suggested that Israel’s military operations in Gaza warranted international scrutiny for potential genocide—a claim Israel strongly rejects. In his final Easter Sunday address, Pope Francis again referenced the suffering of Palestinians and Israelis alike, calling the humanitarian crisis in Gaza “shameful.”
Reports have also emerged detailing how Pope Francis personally kept in touch with Gaza’s small Christian community throughout the conflict, offering daily calls of support.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority has shown its appreciation, sending Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to the funeral—a sharp contrast to Israel’s subdued representation.
A Strained Relationship
Many within Netanyahu’s coalition of nationalist and religious parties perceive Pope Francis as having taken the Palestinians’ side, despite his efforts to balance empathy between both Israelis and Palestinians.
The diplomatic chill is expected to be evident at the funeral in Rome, where Israel’s absence among prominent global mourners will be notable, signaling a deepening rift between Jerusalem and the Vatican.
