The Israeli military has launched a criminal investigation after a soldier was photographed striking a Catholic statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon. Military officials confirmed the image, which shows a soldier using a sledgehammer against the head of a crucifix that had fallen from its cross, is authentic. The statue is located in Debl, a Christian village near the Israeli border.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the defacement, saying he was 'stunned and saddened' and that 'harsh disciplinary action' would be taken against the soldier. The Israel Defense Forces stated they are working with local residents to restore the statue.
The incident sparked outrage in Lebanon and internationally, particularly among US evangelicals, whose support for Israel has waned since the Gaza war began. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto called it 'unacceptable and unjustifiable', and the Vatican also expressed anger. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar apologised, calling the act 'shameful and disgraceful'.
This is not an isolated case; Israeli forces have damaged other religious sites during their incursion into southern Lebanon, including a mosque and a shrine. However, no official statements were made regarding those incidents. The deliberate targeting of religious sites violates international humanitarian law under the Geneva Conventions.
