IDF soldiers under investigation for vandalizing Jesus statue in southern Lebanon; details emerge

The controversy was sparked after a viral post on X showed an Israeli soldier hitting a Jesus sculpture with a hammer, reportedly damaging the statue’s surface.

The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged the incident in an official statement and said preliminary inspections found the photo did indeed depict an Israeli soldier on duty in southern Lebanon.

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“The soldier’s actions were completely inconsistent with the values ​​of his unit,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement on Day X.

The military further noted that the matter is being handled through the chain of command. The statement added that “appropriate steps” would be taken once the investigation was completed.

“Northern Command is investigating this incident and is currently handling it through the chain of command. Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved based on the findings,” the statement said.

In addition to disciplinary action, the IDF said it was working to assist local communities in restoring the damaged statue to its original location.

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The incident occurred in Deber, a Maronite Christian village near the Israeli border community of Shtura, according to reports from members of the Christian community in the village of Ain Eber in central southern Lebanon.

“It is impossible to remain silent in the face of such violations,” Wadi Abunassar, coordinator of the Holy Land Christian Forum, said, according to the Jerusalem Post.

The IDF stresses that its operations in the area focus on dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure and not targeting civilian or religious sites. “The IDF has no intention of damaging civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols,” the statement said.