The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a criminal investigation after a video surfaced showing an Israeli soldier smashing a statue of Jesus Christ with a sledgehammer in Southern Lebanon.
Key Details of the Incident
- Location: The statue was situated in a private garden shrine on the outskirts of Debel.
- The Act: Footage shows a soldier in full military gear repeatedly striking the head of the statue with a sledgehammer.
- IDF Confirmation: The military confirmed the authenticity of the video on April 20, 2026, identifying the soldier and stating that the behavior is a “grave violation” of military values.
Official Statements
- Israeli Leadership: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed that he was “stunned and saddened,” while Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar issued an apology to the Christian community, calling the act “disgraceful.”
- The IDF: A criminal probe is currently being led by the Northern Command. The IDF has pledged to coordinate with the local community in Debel to restore the damaged shrine.
Impact on the Christian Community
Religious leaders in Lebanon and the Holy Land have condemned the desecration. Father Fadi Flaifel, representing the Debel congregation, emphasized the deep pain the act caused the local Maronite community, occurring during a period of heightened regional tension following the mid-April ceasefire.
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