Israel’s military has confirmed the authenticity of a viral image showing one of its soldiers in southern Lebanon striking a statue of Jesus Christ with a sledgehammer, sparking outrage and condemnation.
The disturbing image shows the soldier hitting the head of a crucified Jesus statue that had reportedly fallen from its cross. The sculpture is located in the Christian village of Debl, near the Israel-Lebanon border, according to local authorities, though the extent of the damage remains unclear.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the Israeli army said it views the incident with “great severity,” stressing that the “soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops”.
“Following the completion of an initial examination regarding a photograph published earlier today of an IDF soldier harming a Christian symbol, it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon,” the army said.
Military authorities disclosed that the case is under investigation by the Northern Command and is being “addressed through the chain of command”.
The army added that “appropriate measures will be taken against those involved” and confirmed efforts are underway to “restore the statue to its place”.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, did not hold back in his reaction, describing the act as “shameful and disgraceful”.
“I am confident that necessary severe measures will be taken against whoever committed this ugly act,” he wrote on X.
“We apologise for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt.”
The controversy comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Lebanon was pulled deeper into the Middle East conflict in early March after Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israel in support of Iran, prompting heavy Israeli strikes and a ground invasion in the south.
Despite a ceasefire that began on Friday, Israeli troops remain stationed in southern Lebanon, with the latest incident adding a fresh layer of tension to an already volatile situation.
