Israeli soldier vandalizes Jesus statue in Lebanon, prompting official condemnation and investigation

An Israeli soldier was filmed using a sledgehammer to vandalize a statue of Jesus in the village of Debel in southern Lebanon.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from Israeli officials and local Christian leaders.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the soldier's conduct is under investigation and described the act as "wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops." The IDF also stated that appropriate measures will be taken and efforts are ongoing to restore the statue.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret for any hurt caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world.

Israel's Foreign Minister issued an apology to every Christian whose feelings were hurt by the incident.

The statue was located on a crucifix outside a family home in Debel, one of the few villages where residents have remained during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Father Fadi Flaifel, head of Debel's congregation, condemned the desecration of the cross and other religious symbols, calling it a violation of human rights and civility.

He noted that similar acts had occurred previously in the area.

The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, a Baptist minister, called for "swift, severe, & public consequences" in response to the incident.

This event comes amid a fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States, which paused six weeks of fighting between the IDF and Hezbollah.

Thousands of Israeli troops remain in southern Lebanon to maintain a "forward defence area" aimed at preventing Hezbollah attacks and cross-border raids.

The IDF has published a map showing this forward defence area and said it aims to stop Hezbollah from firing anti-tank missiles at northern Israel and prevent cross-border raids.

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