The Israeli military said on Monday, April 20th, it had determined that an image circulating on social media showing one of its soldiers in southern Lebanon striking a statue of Jesus Christ is authentic.
The image appears to show an Israeli soldier using a sledgehammer to strike the head of a statue of a crucified Jesus that had fallen from a cross. The sculpture is located in the Christian village of Debl in southern Lebanon, near the Israeli border, according to the local municipality, which said it could not confirm whether the statue had been damaged.
The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that, following an initial examination, the photograph was identified as showing an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the IDF said it is handling the incident with “great severity,” adding that the “soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.” The army said the incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is being addressed through the chain of command. It added that appropriate measures will be taken against those involved, without providing further details. The IDF also said it is working with local authorities to restore the statue.
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar called the act “shameful and disgraceful,” stating that he is confident severe measures will follow. He also apologised to Christians whose feelings were hurt.
