IDF Confirms Soldier's Involvement in Jesus Statue Destruction in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the authenticity of an image showing a soldier damaging a Jesus statue in southern Lebanon and announced an investigation into the incident.
An image depicting an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldier in uniform damaging a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon has been confirmed as authentic by the IDF. The photograph, which circulated widely online, shows the soldier striking the statue with a hammer in the village of Debel, a Maronite Christian community near the Israeli border.
"The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops," the military stated on Sunday evening.
The IDF announced that the Northern Command is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter and that appropriate measures will be taken against those involved based on the findings. Additionally, the military has pledged to assist the local community in restoring the damaged statue.
Wadie Abunassar, coordinator of the Christian Forum in the Holy Land, expressed concern over the incident, stating, "It is impossible to remain silent in the face of such violations." He called for efforts to verify the incident and for complaints to be filed to bring the perpetrator to justice if the act is confirmed.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation on social media and from religious communities, highlighting tensions in the region amid ongoing conflicts.