This Israeli Soldier Was Filmed Smashing A Statue Of Jesus Christ In Southern Lebanon, Sparking Outrage
The incident sparked widespread condemnation online, with some politicians mocking Israeli policies.
An Israeli soldier was filmed smashing a statue of Jesus Christ with a sledgehammer in a Christian village in southern Lebanon, sparking widespread outrage online.
Under the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, both sides will halt attacks, but Israel troops will remain in southern Lebanon and keep control of the territory occupied by Israel.
On April 19, a photo emerged online of an Israeli soldier hitting a statue of Jesus Christ with a sledgehammer in the village of Debel in southern Lebanon, according to Middle East Eye.
The photo showed the statue of Jesus turned upside down and off its cross.
Israel's military confirmed the photo was real and said it will open an investigation.
"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 said.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was "stunned and saddened" and condemned the act.
Christians in Israel and the occupied West Bank have faced a growing wave of attacks.
Churches, cemeteries and other Christian symbols have been vandalised, and a cleric has reported being spat on and physically assaulted, according to Middle East Eye.
Israeli police also prevented Christian faith leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass.
Lebanese media also reported damage to another Christian site in the village of Ain Ebel in the same district, and Israeli strikes have reportedly hit several religious sites in southern Lebanon, according to TRT.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation online, with some politicians mocking Israeli policies.
"We'll wait to hear the police spokesperson claim that the soldier felt threatened by Jesus," Palestinian member of the Israeli parliament Ayman Odeh said on X.
Sofia Hou
Cherry Mohamed
Cherry Mohamed
