Key Points
- Israel’s military confirms authenticity of image showing soldier striking statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon
- Incident occurred in the Christian village of Debel near the Israel-Lebanon border amid ongoing tensions
- Christian communities in Lebanon and abroad express anger, calling the act deeply offensive to faith
ISLAMABAD: Israel’s military has confirmed the authenticity of an image circulating on social media showing one of its soldiers striking a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon.
Earlier, an image of the incident went viral and has drawn widespread concern from Christian communities internationally, adding a sensitive religious dimension to the ongoing regional conflict.
The image shows a soldier using a sledgehammer on the head of a fallen crucifix statue in the Christian village of Debel, located close to the Israeli border.
The statue, depicting Jesus on the cross, had been displaced amid recent military activity in the area, according to local municipal officials who spoke to AFP.
The Israel Defence Forces said it views the incident with “great severity,” confirming the image is authentic and showing an active soldier deployed in southern Lebanon.
The military said the behaviour is “wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.” It confirmed that the matter was under investigation.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the act as “shameful and disgraceful,” adding that accountability measures would be enforced.
He also issued an apology, stating: “We apologise for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt.” The army said efforts are underway to coordinate the restoration of the statue with local representatives.
The incident has triggered strong reactions among Christian communities in Lebanon and abroad. A priest in southern Lebanon said the image was “deeply painful for believers and an affront to sacred memory,” adding that “even in war, symbols of faith must not be desecrated.”
A resident of Debel said the statue “represents our identity and spiritual history,” describing the act as “distressing for the entire village.”
International Christian voices also condemned the incident. A European church representative said it was “deeply offensive to Christians worldwide,” adding that “such acts risk inflaming religious sensitivities at a time when restraint is urgently needed.”
Another Christian commentator said, “The image of Christ is sacred across denominations, and its desecration causes profound hurt to believers everywhere.”
The municipality of Debel said it is assessing whether the statue has been damaged or can be restored, while Israeli authorities said they are working to return the monument to its place.
The incident comes amid continued Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon following months of cross-border hostilities involving Hezbollah, despite recent ceasefire arrangements aimed at reducing escalation.
As investigations continue, the case has intensified scrutiny of battlefield conduct and raised broader concerns about the protection of religious symbols in conflict zones where civilian and cultural sites remain vulnerable.
