President Isaac Herzog congratulated the new Pope Leo XIV, saying 'I send him my blessings from the holy city of Jerusalem.' Herzog added that 'We look forward to deepening the relationship between the State of Israel and the Vatican, and strengthening the bond between Jews and Christians in Israel and worldwide. May we merit to see the immediate and safe return of all hostages still held in Gaza, and the beginning of a new era of peace in our region and throughout the world.'