Italian Peacekeepers Replace Crucifix Damaged by Israeli Soldiers in Lebanon: IDF Troops Punished, Jailed Over Jesus Statue Vandalism — Global Outcry Over Religious Site Attacks

Italian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have replaced a statue of Jesus Christ that was damaged by Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, according to multiple reports from the region on April 23, 2026.

The statue, located outside a family home in the village of Debel, was struck with a sledgehammer by an Israeli soldier earlier in the week. The incident was captured in an image that circulated widely online, prompting condemnation from religious leaders and international observers.

Following an investigation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the soldier who struck the statue and the soldier who photographed the act would each receive 30 days of military detention and be removed from combat duty. Six additional soldiers who were present but failed to intervene or report the incident will face separate disciplinary action.

The IDF stated that the soldiers’ conduct “completely deviated from IDF orders and values” and expressed “deep regret over the incident.” It also confirmed that troops had replaced the damaged statue, though the replacement was described as smaller and different in design from the original.

In response, Italian members of UNIFIL provided a new statue that more closely resembles the original. The replacement was installed on April 22, 2026, with members of the local Christian community present. Photos shared on social media show Italian peacekeepers standing alongside residents as the new statue was erected.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed the action, stating that Italian UN peacekeepers had replaced the statue vandalized by Israeli soldiers. The IDF noted that the replacement was carried out “in full co-ordination with the local community.”

The incident occurred in the context of ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, which the IDF says are directed solely against Hezbollah and other groups it designates as terrorist organizations, not against Lebanese civilians. The village of Debel is one of the few areas where residents have remained during the conflict.

Father Fadi Flaifel, head of Debel’s congregation, told the BBC that the community “totally reject[s] the desecration of the cross, our sacred symbol, and all religious symbols.” The replacement of the statue has been seen as a gesture of respect for the local population’s religious heritage.