The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has condemned an incident involving an Israeli soldier who was filmed vandalising a statue of Jesus Christ in the south of Lebanon, pledging firm disciplinary action.
The widely circulated image, later confirmed as authentic by the authorities, shows a soldier using a sledgehammer to strike a fallen statue depicting the crucifixion of Jesus.
The sculpture is located in the Christian village of Debel, close to the Israeli border.
Reacting on social media platform X, Netanyahu said he was “stunned and saddened” by the act, describing it as unacceptable.
He added that a criminal investigation has been launched and assured that those responsible would face appropriate punishment.
The Israeli military also denounced the incident, stating that the behavior contradicts its core values.
It confirmed that disciplinary measures are underway and noted that efforts are being made to restore the damaged statue in collaboration with local communities.
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Local officials in Lebanon said the statue is part of a Christian religious site in the village.
However, the full extent of the damage remains unclear due to limited access to the area.
The episode comes amid heightened tensions in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have been engaged in ongoing operations linked to the broader regional conflict involving Iran-backed factions.
Religious leaders have also reacted strongly. The custodian of the statue described the act as a serious violation of religious sanctity and called for stronger protections for sacred sites.
The Israeli foreign minister likewise condemned the incident, calling it “shameful and disgraceful,” and reiterated that strict action would be taken.
