Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel offered condolences three days after the death of Pope Francis, highlighting tensions in the relationship between Israeli officials and the pope. The delay in issuing a statement may be due to the pope's criticism of Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza. Israel has blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza since early March, leaving many people struggling to access food. The pope also called for a 'sovereign homeland' for Palestinians during his visit to Israel in 2014.