Israeli Soldier Destroys Christ Statue in Southern Lebanon

An Israeli soldier was filmed in southern Lebanon destroying a statue of Jesus Christ with a hammer, according to images shared by Palestinian journalist Yunis Tirawi on social media and verified by Israeli media outlet Yedioth Ahronoth. The incident occurred in the village of Debel, located in the central sector of southern Lebanon, which has been under Israeli military occupation for over a month and a half.

The video and photographs show the soldier using a long-handled hammer to strike the face of a crucified Jesus statue that had been removed from its cross and lay overturned on the ground. The act took place in an open, fenced area within the village, according to Tirawi’s reporting.

The Israeli military acknowledged the incident on Sunday, stating that it was reviewing the authenticity of the footage. A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Nadav Shoshani, said that if the images are confirmed as genuine and recent, the actions depicted would not align with the values or expected conduct of IDF personnel.

Shoshani added that any verified misconduct would be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate measures would be taken if warranted. The military has not yet released findings from its review.

The IDF’s presence in southern Lebanon has been described by Israeli newspaper Haaretz as illegal, based on testimonies from Israeli commanders. According to the report, Israeli forces have been conducting systematic demolitions of civilian homes, public buildings, and schools in border villages for 46 consecutive days, alongside ongoing bombardment of the region.

The village of Debel, where the incident occurred, is inhabited by a Christian minority and lies within an area that has seen intensified Israeli military activity since the onset of regional hostilities. The destruction of religious symbols in such contexts has drawn concern from international observers regarding the protection of cultural and religious heritage during military operations.

As of now, no independent verification has been made of the soldier’s identity or unit, and the IDF has not confirmed whether disciplinary proceedings have been initiated. The incident adds to growing scrutiny over the conduct of Israeli forces in occupied Lebanese territory and the broader implications for intercommunal relations in the region.