IDF Soldier Damages Jesus Statue in Lebanon as US Threatens Iran Infrastructure Strikes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on X that he condemned in the strongest terms an incident where an IDF soldier damaged a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon, vowing harsh disciplinary action against the offender. Netanyahu posted the statement on Monday, describing himself as stunned and saddened by the act, which involved a soldier photographed taking a sledgehammer to the face of the statue in the Christian town of Debel.

He added that military authorities are conducting a criminal probe and will take appropriately harsh measures.

The Israel Defence Forces confirmed the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon and launched an investigation into the incident, which the Northern Command is addressing through the chain of command. IDF international spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani stated on social media that if the image is real and recent, the actions do not align with IDF values and expected soldier behavior, promising a thorough investigation.

The IDF views the incident with great severity, emphasizing it is inconsistent with troop values, and vowed to work alongside the Christian community of Debel to restore the statue to its original form.

3 million times on X. A local community page on Facebook in Debel claimed the statue belongs to them. , rejecting the transfer of enriched uranium stockpiles abroad as not on the Islamic Republic's agenda.

U.S. proposal conveyed by Pakistan's army chief but maintains a definitive position to preserve nuclear achievements within its territory, denying related claims. S.

Violations of the ceasefire and threats to Iranian ports and ships. S. military will knock out every single power plant and infrastructure target in Iran.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz defended these threats on Sunday. -Israeli strikes on military, government, and infrastructure sites. -Iran talks in Pakistan earlier in April 2026 failed to reach a peace deal, and a two-week ceasefire announced earlier in April is set to expire on April 22, 2026.

U.S. negotiators would return to Islamabad on Monday for a new round of talks. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Vice President JD Vance would accompany special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad.

U.S. aggression against an Iranian merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman, with Iranian forces to take necessary action regarding the seizure of the M/V Touska on Sunday. Marines from USS Tripoli seized the Iranian vessel M/V Touska on Sunday, according to CENTCOM.

U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer USS Spruance conducted the interception of the M/V Touska in the north Arabian Sea on April 19, 2026. The M/V Touska's most recent port was Klang, Malaysia, after departing from Zhuhai in southern China.

U.S. seizure, noting the Strait of Hormuz is an international strait and unimpeded passage is a common interest of the international community. S.

Army. In related developments, Israel's military established a Yellow Line demarcation in southern Lebanon on Saturday, similar to one separating Israeli forces from Hamas-held areas in Gaza. The military hit a terrorist cell operating near its troops along the Yellow Line in southern Lebanon on Saturday.

Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire on Thursday to negotiate an end to six weeks of war between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli military warned residents against returning to southern Lebanon villages.