BEIRUT, Lebanon: The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land on Monday condemned the desecration of a statue of Jesus Christ by an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon.
In a statement, the assembly expressed “profound indignation” and issued an unequivocal condemnation of the reported act, describing it as a serious violation of Christian religious values.
It said the incident constitutes “a grave affront to the Christian faith” and noted that it follows other reported cases involving the desecration of Christian symbols in the area.
The statement further described the act as reflecting a “disturbing failure in moral and human formation,” where even basic respect for the sacred and the dignity of others has been undermined.
The assembly called for immediate and decisive disciplinary measures, along with a credible process of accountability and clear assurances that such actions will not be tolerated or repeated.
In a photo circulating on social media, an Israeli soldier can be seen using a sledgehammer to strike the head of a statue depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ that had fallen from a cross.
The sculpture is located in the Christian village of Debl in southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel, according to the local municipality.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed “harsh action” against a soldier involved in the incident.
“I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon,” Netanyahu wrote on X.
“I condemn the act in the strongest terms. Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender,” he added.
