It was no secret that he loathed Peres and couldn't stand his popularity as president, or the personal respect given to Peres by world leaders.
"Deep personal grief", my foot!

Peres was not popular as a prime minister, but as happens with grandparenting in comparison with parenting, he mellowed and thrived as president.

Whatever his mistakes and failings in earlier years, he spent his entire life in the country's service, and became respected grandfather of the nation. RIP.