Outrage after Israeli soldier seen striking Jesus statue in Lebanon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7l7lfdu-JU

Outrage erupted after an image showed an Israeli soldier striking a statue of Jesus in the Christian village of Debel in southern Lebanon, and the IDF later said the photo was authentic. The military said it views the incident with “great severity,” promised action through the chain of command, and said it would help restore the statue.

What happened

The image spread widely on social media and appears to show a soldier using a sledgehammer or similar tool to damage the crucifix statue. Lebanese local officials said the statue was in Debel, though they could not fully confirm the extent of the damage.

Official reaction

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act, and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar apologized for the offense caused to Christians. The IDF also said the conduct was wholly inconsistent with its values and that it had identified the soldier.

Why it matters

The backlash reflects how quickly a battlefield image can become a religious and diplomatic flashpoint, especially when it involves a Christian symbol in a sensitive border area. Catholic leaders in the Holy Land called the incident a grave affront to the Christian faith.