Israeli Soldier Damages Crucifix in Southern Lebanon Village; Replacements Provided

An Israeli soldier damaged a crucifix in a family garden in the Christian village of Debel, southern Lebanon, leading to widespread condemnation. The event took place last week during Israel's military presence in the area following a ground invasion.

Images of the damaged crucifix circulated online, drawing international attention. Israel's military replaced the crucifix with a smaller version, offered an apology, and installed it with local priests present. Separately, Italy provided a new crucifix through UNIFIL peacekeepers, which was erected on April 22, 2026.

The Italian donation matched the original size and was accepted by the family.

The installation ceremony for the Italian crucifix occurred on Wednesday, attended by local priests, residents, UN peacekeepers, and family members. An Italian peacekeeper set up the statue in the village. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sent a message calling the replaced statue a powerful message of peace, hope, and dialogue.

Houssam Naddaf, whose family owns the property, recognized the damaged crucifix in viral images. He described seeing the image online and noted movement restrictions prevented him from visiting sooner. Naddaf confirmed the family's decision to accept the Italian donation and give the Israeli-provided one to a local church.

The incident happened in the context of the Israel-Hezbollah war, which began on March 2 when the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group fired a salvo of missiles over the border two days after the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran. Israel then invaded southern Lebanon, and forces have remained despite a ceasefire announced last week.

Israeli forces occupy a border strip extending about 10 kilometers into Lebanon, described as a buffer zone. The military has been demolishing buildings it says were used by Hezbollah. Lebanese officials and residents express concern over the scale of destruction, which could affect displaced people's return.

The original crucifix was installed in the family garden in 2018 on a shared property divided among Naddaf and his three brothers since 2010. The home is on the edge of Debel, near Rmeish. Naddaf moved his family deeper into the village when fighting intensified.

During the ceasefire, Naddaf's family has been barred from returning home by Israeli forces. Upon visiting under UN escort, Naddaf found the house in disarray but intact, unlike nearby demolished homes. He noted that unlike the 2024 war, when they fled to Beirut, they stayed in the village this time.

The ceasefire took effect last week, but demolition continues in border areas. The military states it targets only Hezbollah outposts. However, the extent of destruction raises fears of prolonged displacement for civilians. Naddaf expressed gratitude that his home still stands.

The family had not been present for Israel's installation but coordinated with UN peacekeepers for the Italian replacement. The incident has highlighted tensions in the occupied areas.