Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offers condolences 3 days after the death of Pope Francis

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel presented condolences on the death of Pope Francis on Thursday, more than three days after the death of the head of the Roman Catholic world.

The delay in the publication of a declaration highlighted apparent tensions in the relationship between Israeli officials and the Pope, who criticized the conduct of Israel in the war in Gaza and called on a cease-fire several times.

“The State of Israel expresses its deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and to the Catholic community in the world in passing by Pope Francis,” said the office of the Israeli Prime Minister in an article on X. “that he rests in peace.”

Neither the Hebrew account X, the office of the Prime Minister nor the personal account of Mr. Netanyahu brought the brief declaration. Netanyahu generally issues condolences shortly after the death of world leaders.

Francis, who frequently phoned members of the Christian community in decrease in Gaza, took advantage of the major addresses of the Catholic world to call for the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza, a cease-fire and the release of hostages held by activists.

“My thoughts go particularly to the victims of the many conflicts in the world, starting with those of Israel and Palestine,” he said during Easter Mass in 2024.