Israeli Soldiers Jailed for Vandalizing Jesus Statue in Lebanon

Two Israeli soldiers have been sentenced to 30 days of military detention and removed from combat duty after one was photographed using a sledgehammer to damage a statue of Jesus in the Christian village of Debel, southern Lebanon. The incident, which occurred during Israeli military operations in the area, has drawn widespread condemnation.

The Israeli military stated that the soldier who damaged the statue and the one who photographed the act "will be removed from combat duty and will receive 30 days of military detention." Additionally, six other soldiers present at the scene, who did not intervene or report the incident, have been summoned for further review. The military emphasized that "the soldiers' conduct completely deviated from IDF orders and values."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his dismay, stating he was "stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon," and vowed "harsh disciplinary action against the offender." The military has since replaced the damaged statue and expressed "deep regret" over the incident, reaffirming that its operations are directed solely against militant groups and not against civilians or religious sites.

The incident has heightened tensions in the region, where Israeli forces have been conducting operations against Hezbollah. Despite a ceasefire declared on April 16, clashes have continued in the area, resulting in casualties on both sides and further destruction in southern Lebanon.