Israeli Leaders Condemn Soldier's Damage to Jesus Statue in Southern Lebanon

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.

Despite the truce, Israeli forces maintain effective occupation of dozens of villages in southern Lebanon. Local priest Fadi Falfel said residents are still surrounded and unable to travel freely. Falfel described the act as a desecration of holy symbols.

He noted that some houses on the village edge remain inaccessible.

The photograph was posted by Younis Tirawi, who describes himself as a Palestinian reporter. It sparked outrage on social media. Netanyahu expressed regret for any hurt caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world. He contrasted the incident with conditions for Christians in Israel compared to elsewhere in the Middle East.

Israeli military officials said they are coordinating with aid agencies to address humanitarian needs in Debel and other villages. One source reported a claim that the photo was fabricated, but the IDF confirmed its authenticity through the investigation announcement.