Israel's muted response to Pope Francis's death signals tensions over Gaza
Summary
The Israeli Prime Minister's office expressed condolences for Pope Francis four days after his death and plans to send only the country's Vatican ambassador to the Pope's funeral. This situation, including the previous removal of an online condolence message, is interpreted as a sign of the Israeli government's displeasure with Pope Francis's comments about the conflict in Gaza.Key Facts
- The office of the Israeli Prime Minister expressed condolences for Pope Francis's death four days after the event.
- An earlier condolence message posted on the official state account of Israel was deleted, sparking controversy.
- Only the Israeli ambassador to the Vatican will attend the Pope's funeral.
- The Pope's statements on the Gaza conflict have stirred discontent in the Israeli government.
- At Pope John Paul II's funeral in 2005, Israel was represented by the then-president and the then-foreign minister.
- The Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, paid a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis but has not made plans to attend the funeral.
- Pope Francis suggested last November that the international community should scrutinize whether Israel's military offense in Gaza could be classified as genocide.
- Pope Francis regularly communicated with the Christian community in Gaza City during the war.
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