The source referenced a glowing eulogy by the president but did not explain Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's silence or decision to skip the pontiff's funeral.
An Israeli official pushed back on Wednesday against claims that Israel was muting its reaction to the death of Pope Francis last week.
The official, who spoke to JNS on condition of anonymity citing diplomatic protocol, noted the statement by Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Francis’ death on Monday at the age of 88, adding that Herzog “is the official head of state, and his statement on the matter is the definitive reaction.”
The claims followed the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs decision to convey its condolences on X and then delete that tweet hours later.