Israel shares, then deletes, condolences over pope's death

Israel's muted response to Pope Francis's death signals tensions over Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has sent condolences four days after the Pope's death.

The State Department also removed previously posted statements from the embassies. Israeli diplomats are also outraged by the incident.

Deleted condolence after pope’s death reveals tension between Israel and the Vatican

Hours after Pope Francis’ death was announced, Israel's Foreign Ministry posted a short message on X: “Rest in peace, Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing." Several hours later, it was deleted without explanation.

Row erupts as Israel deletes condolence post on death of Pope Francis

Hours after the announcement of Pope Francis's passing, Israel's foreign ministry posted a message of condolence on X. It deleted the post later, sparking speculation about tension with the Vatican amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

If the Israeli president quickly offered his condolences after the death of Pope Francis, the government did not react until Thursday evening. Except through a message, finally deleted after an hour of social networks.

Rome's Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Se-gni will participate in the Requiem for the late Pope, which is also a sign of an open conflict with Israel's Head of Government Netanyahu.