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Israeli Leaders Condemn Soldier's Damage to Jesus Statue in Southern Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials condemned an IDF soldier for damaging a statue of Jesus Christ in a Lebanese village. The incident occurred amid a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Military authorities launched an investigation and pledged disciplinary action.
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The event drew statements from multiple Israeli officials and the U.S. ambassador to Israel. A photograph of the act circulated widely on social media. The image shows a soldier striking the head of a dislodged crucified Jesus statue with a tool resembling a hammer or axe.
Reuters verified the location as Debel, a village in southern Lebanon with a Christian population. The statue was part of a small garden shrine belonging to a local family.
Netanyahu stated on X that he was stunned and saddened by the act. He described it as contrary to Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect. Netanyahu added that Israel upholds freedom of worship for all faiths and noted that the Christian population in Israel is growing.
“Yesterday, like the overwhelming majority of Israelis, I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms." — Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister (Times of India). Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar called the incident grave and disgraceful. He said it was completely contrary to Israeli values and emphasized respect for all religions and their symbols. Sa'ar commended the military for condemning the act and initiating an investigation. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated on X that swift, severe, and public consequences are needed.”
The IDF said it views the incident with great severity. The military stated that the soldier's conduct is wholly inconsistent with expected values. An investigation is underway, and the IDF is working to assist in restoring the statue. Netanyahu said military authorities are conducting a criminal probe. He indicated that harsh disciplinary action will be taken against the offender.
The event took place in Debel, one of the few villages where residents remained during an Israeli military campaign against Hezbollah. The campaign began on March 2 after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel. Israel and Lebanon agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on Thursday.
