Irish President Michael D. Higgins criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for strengthening an army in breach of international humanitarian law, following the funeral for Pope Francis. President Higgins also expressed outrage at the labeling of those who critique Israeli government policies as antisemitic. He called it a 'great lie' to suggest that opposing Israel's military action in Gaza means supporting Hamas. President Higgins also commented on Netanyahu's absence from the funeral and the controversy over the Israeli Foreign Ministry's deletion of condolence tweets. Irish Jewish leaders have questioned President Higgins' stance on antisemitism in Ireland.