Israeli Military Probes Soldier Who Smashed Jesus Statue In Southern Lebanon

 Israeli Military Probes Soldier Who Smashed Jesus Statue In Southern Lebanon

April  , 2026

NEWS

The Israel Defense Forces has launched an investigation into one of its soldiers accused of vandalising a Christian religious symbol in southern Lebanon, describing the act as a serious breach of its values.

In a statement posted on X on Sunday, the military confirmed the authenticity of a viral image showing a soldier smashing a statue of Jesus Christ with a hammer.

“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 statement read.

According to the military, the incident is currently under investigation by its Northern Command and is being handled through the appropriate chain of command.

“The incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is currently being addressed through the chain of command. Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings,” the IDF added.

The military also stated that it is working to assist the affected community in restoring the damaged statue, reiterating that it does not target civilian or religious infrastructure.

“The IDF is operating to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure established by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and has no intention of harming civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols,” it claimed.

Meanwhile, the controversy erupted after the image was shared online by Palestinian journalist Younis Tirawi, sparking outrage across social media platforms.

Tirawi said the incident occurred in southern Lebanon, while a local community page identified the location as the outskirts of Dibil, a Christian-majority town in the Bint Jbeil District near the Israeli border.

The official page of Dibil also shared an image of the damaged statue alongside a biblical verse: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do,” underscoring the community’s distress over the incident.

The image has since drawn condemnation from international figures, including former U.S. congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who criticised continued U.S. support for Israel.

“Our greatest ally that takes billions of our tax dollars and weapons every year,” she wrote while sharing the image.

Former U.S. lawmaker Matt Gaetz also reacted, describing the incident as “horrific.”

The development adds to growing concerns over the impact of Israeli military operations on religious sites in the region.

During its ongoing campaigns against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel has faced criticism over damage to Christian landmarks.

In 2023, an Israeli airstrike hit a building adjacent to the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius, the oldest Christian site in Gaza, killing at least 18 people.

Similarly, in 2025, shrapnel from an Israeli tank shell struck the Holy Family Church, the enclave’s only Catholic church, resulting in three deaths.

The latest incident in southern Lebanon has further heightened scrutiny of military conduct in conflict zones, particularly regarding the protection of religious and cultural heritage sites.

SaharaReporters

According to the military, the incident is currently under investigation by its Northern Command and is being handled through the appropriate chain of command.