Israeli Soldier Axes Jesus Statue in Lebanon, Sparking Outrage and Investigation
The Israeli military and foreign minister have strongly condemned the desecration of a crucifix by an Israeli soldier in a southern Lebanese village, an incident captured in a widely circulated photograph that has provoked international outrage. The image, which emerged online over the weekend, shows a soldier wielding the blunt side of an axe against a fallen sculpture of Jesus on the cross, with the Israeli military confirming the incident is under investigation.
Photograph Verifies Location in Debel Village
The photograph was posted by Younis Tirawi, a Palestinian reporter who has previously shared images alleging misconduct by Israeli soldiers in Gaza. Reuters has verified the location of the incident as Debel, one of the few villages in southern Lebanon where residents have remained amidst an Israeli military campaign against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia. This campaign began on 2 March, following Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel in support of Iran.
Fadi Falfel, a priest in Debel, confirmed that the cross was part of a small shrine situated in the garden of a family residing on the edge of the village. He stated emphatically: "One of the Israeli soldiers broke the cross and did this horrible thing, this desecration of our holy symbols." The village is one of dozens in south Lebanon now under effective Israeli occupation, with Israel and Lebanon agreeing to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire intended to halt fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israeli Officials Issue Apologies and Condemnations
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the soldier's actions were disgraceful and shameful, posting on X: "We apologize for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt." The Israeli military echoed this sentiment, stating: "The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) views the incident with great severity and emphasises that the soldier's conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops. The IDF is working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place."
Ceasefire Fails to Bring Relief to Debel Residents
Despite the ceasefire agreement, residents of Debel report ongoing hardships. Priest Fadi Falfel lamented: "We have every kind of crisis. We thought the ceasefire would bring us some relief but we're still surrounded, unable to travel to and from the town. There are some houses on the edge of town that we're barred from accessing." Israeli military officials say they are working with aid agencies to meet the humanitarian needs of Debel and other villages, but local accounts suggest significant challenges remain.
The incident highlights the tensions in southern Lebanon, where military operations continue to impact civilian life and religious sites. The investigation into the soldier's actions is ongoing, with the Israeli military pledging accountability and restoration efforts for the damaged statue.
