Israel confirms image of soldier damaging Jesus statue in Lebanon is real, vows action as investigation unfolds amid regional tensions.
Newsroom (20/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) The Israeli army has confirmed the authenticity of a widely circulated image showing one of its soldiers striking a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon, an incident it says it is treating with “great severity.”
In a statement released on April 20 via its official X account, the military said an initial examination had determined that the photograph—shared extensively on social media—indeed depicts an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldier operating in southern Lebanon. The image appears to show the soldier using a sledgehammer to hit the head of a statue of a crucified Jesus that had already fallen from a cross.
The incident reportedly took place in the Christian village of Debl, located near Lebanon’s southern border with Israel. While Arab media outlets identified the village as the site of the alleged damage, the Debl municipality told AFP that although the statue is located in the village, it could not independently confirm whether it had been harmed.
The Israeli army emphasized that the conduct shown in the image contradicts its institutional standards. “The soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops,” the statement read, underscoring the seriousness with which the matter is being addressed.
According to the military, the case is currently under investigation by its Northern Command and is being handled through the chain of command. While officials have pledged that “appropriate measures will be taken against those involved,” no specific disciplinary actions have yet been disclosed.
In addition to the investigation, the army stated it is working with the local community to restore the statue to its original place, signaling an effort to mitigate the impact of the incident on the predominantly Christian village.
The episode unfolds against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region. Lebanon became directly involved in the broader Middle East conflict in early March, when Hezbollah—backed by Tehran—launched rockets toward Israel in support of Iran. Israel responded with extensive strikes across Lebanese territory and initiated a ground invasion of the south.
Despite a ceasefire that came into effect on Friday, Israeli troops have remained deployed in parts of southern Lebanon, maintaining a presence in areas like Debl. The incident involving the statue adds a sensitive cultural and religious dimension to an already volatile situation, as investigations continue and scrutiny intensifies over military conduct in contested areas.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News
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