Day 565 - Why pope's final Gaza statements won't heal rift with Israel

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke via phone on Tuesday with US President Donald Trump. Following the conversation, the American leader said that the pair “are on the same side of every issue.” So what were the issues discussed?

Hamas is expected to soon propose a new ceasefire framework for Gaza as its representatives arrive in Cairo. Hamas is reportedly pushing for a five-year truce and accepting the previous Egyptian idea of a technocratic council to rule the Strip. What else may be involved?

Pope Francis died on Monday, a day after making a public appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. In his final message, he included a segment about the war in Gaza, saying, “I express my closeness to the sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and to all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people. ... I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace!” Berman weighs in on whether this may help ease the uncomfortable relationship Israel has had with the pope since the war in Gaza was launched by the Hamas-led massacre on October 7.

Among the candidates to replace Pope Francis at the upcoming conclave, one name familiar to many Israeli officials stands out — Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
The Italian priest has lived in Israel for over three decades, and is a fluent Hebrew speaker. Berman explains how this dark horse candidate may have a chance.

After presenting his letter of credence to President Isaac Herzog on Monday, Washington’s new ambassador Mike Huckabee accused Iran of seeking to destroy Israel and the United States. We hear why this may be music to official Israel's ears.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog for more updates.

For further reading:

Trump after call with Netanyahu: ‘We’re on the same side of every issue’

Report: Hamas to propose new ceasefire framework including release of hostages in one phase, five-year truce
 
Hamas delegation heads for Cairo as Egypt takes mediation lead in hostage talks

Pope Francis cared deeply about Holy Land, Jews, but left ‘sour taste’ after Oct. 7

Latin patriarch of Jerusalem among candidates to replace Pope Francis

Presenting credentials to Herzog, Huckabee says Iran seeks to destroy Israel, then US

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch.

IMAGE: Pope Francis stands at Israel's West Bank security barrier on his way to a mass in Manger Square in Bethlehem, May 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

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