In a surprising turn of events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences for Pope Francis' passing more than three days after the beloved leader of the Roman Catholic Church passed away.

A Delayed Response Amidst Tensions

The delay in Netanyahu's statement raised eyebrows, shining a light on the strained relationship between Israeli officials and the pontiff, who has openly criticized Israel's actions in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The pope has consistently called for a cease-fire and humanitarian aid access to the region.

"The State of Israel expresses its deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and the Catholic community worldwide at the passing of Pope Francis. May he rest in peace,” Netanyahu's office posted on X. However, notably missing were the usual immediate condolences issued by Netanyahu for other world leaders.

Pope Francis: Advocate for Peace

Pope Francis was more than just a spiritual leader; he was a vocal advocate for peace, often reaching out to the dwindling Christian community in Gaza. During significant religious events, he urged for humanitarian aid access and a cease-fire, highlighting the suffering of victims on all sides. In his Easter Sunday address in 2024, he emphasized, "My thoughts go especially to the victims of the many conflicts worldwide, beginning with those in Israel and Palestine."

Conflict and Criticism

Since early March, Israel has severely restricted the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict has resulted in an overwhelming death toll, with over 51,000 casualties reported in Gaza alone, according to local health authorities.

In a book released shortly before his death, Pope Francis suggested that the war in Gaza could warrant an investigation for potential genocide, a statement that ignited fierce backlash from some Israeli officials. They insisted that Israel’s military efforts are targeted at Hamas, not civilians, and accused Hamas of committing acts of genocide following its attacks on October 7, 2023.

Mixed Reactions from Israeli Leaders

Israeli President Isaac Herzog was among the first to publicly mourn the pope's death, reflecting a more traditional diplomatic approach. In contrast, shortly after the pope passed, Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement that was quickly deleted, leading to speculation about internal discord regarding the appropriate tone in response to the pope’s criticisms.

After public outcry, the ministry later reposted a photo of its ambassador to the Vatican, Yaron Sideman, paying his respects at the pope's coffin, reinforcing Israel's formal mourning.

A Diplomatic Balancing Act

Despite the controversial circumstances surrounding the delayed condolences, Israeli officials have made efforts to convey their respects through social media and condolence books worldwide, as noted by Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein.

As the global community reflects on Pope Francis' legacy, the complexities of international relations in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain evident. The delayed response from Netanyahu's office serves as a reminder of the intricate dance of diplomacy in times of tension.