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Israel’s Distaste for Pope Francis Revealed in Disgraceful Silence
In a shocking display of disrespect, the Israeli government failed to express even a token acknowledgment to the passing of a man they viewed as an adversary. The cringe-worthy eleven-word tweet—”Rest in peace, Pope Francis. That his memory is a blessing”—was quickly deleted, exposing the disenchantment of Israel with the beloved Pontiff.
Pope Exposed Israel’s Atrocities; Now They Snub Him?
Why such cold indifference from Israel? The answer lies in the controversy that has surrounded Pope Francis due to his unflinching criticism of the indiscriminate attacks on innocent Palestinians and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This is a wakeup call for anyone who thinks that all leaders in this conflict can hide behind silence.
“We deleted a simple and innocent tweet due to the Pope’s criticisms of Israel for the war in Gaza,”
said an Israeli diplomat, illustrating the frustration boiling over among officials who know they are playing a dangerous game with public perception, especially among Catholics.
Official Responses Revealed: A Government Divided
The only notable statement came from President Isaac Herzog—a man with mere ceremonial duties—while Prime Minister Netanyahu and key ministers kept their lips sealed. The absence of official condolences from the Israeli Foreign Ministry speaks volumes: they’ve not only removed their public displays of grief but also directed ambassadors to skip signing condolence books at the Vatican.
Internal Conflict: Diplomats Frustrated by Silence
Inside Israeli diplomatic circles, frustration is palpable. Former ambassador Raphael Schutz called the decision “an error,” criticizing the silence for failing to convey the right message. Despite acknowledging the Pope’s positions on Israel’s actions, he insisted, “we should not keep score this way after someone’s death.”
Netanyahu’s Calculation: A Tragic Miscalculation?
Dor Eydar, another former ambassador, lamented the government’s approach, asserting that sending only a low-ranking diplomat to the Pope’s funeral denigrated Israel’s national dignity. This is indicative of a government that is bereft of strategy and respect, equating human life to political bargaining.
Anti-Semitism Accusations: A Deflection?
Despite standing firm on his condemnation of violence, some suggest the Pope has “fed anti-Semitism.” This narrative seems to align conveniently with the Netanyahu administration’s agenda, obscuring the truth that Pope Francis has consistently called for peace and condemned both violence and rising anti-Semitism.
In a *devastating* little twist, as Pope Francis’s funeral approaches, the Israeli representation is akin to a slap in the face—only their Vatican ambassador, Yaron Zeidman, will attend, reflecting the government’s attempt to downplay their involvement while possibly reinforcing a damaging perception of isolation.
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