The Israel Defense Forces has taken disciplinary action against soldiers involved in vandalizing a religious statue in southern Lebanon.
According to the military, one soldier used a sledgehammer to damage a statue of Jesus, while another documented the act. Both soldiers will serve 30 days in military detention and will be removed from combat duties.
The IDF also confirmed that six additional soldiers present at the scene failed to stop or report the incident. Authorities will handle their cases separately.
The incident took place in the village of Debel and quickly gained global attention after images spread online. The act sparked widespread condemnation from religious leaders, officials, and international observers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed shock and sadness over the event. He acknowledged the harm caused to religious communities and emphasized that such actions do not reflect the country’s values.
Following an internal investigation, the IDF stated that the soldiers’ behavior clearly violated military rules and ethical standards. The military also issued an apology and expressed regret for the damage caused.
To address the situation, IDF personnel replaced the damaged statue in coordination with the local community. Officials stressed that their operations in Lebanon focus only on armed groups such as Hezbollah and not on civilians or religious sites.
Local residents reported that the statue stood on a crucifix outside a family home. The village of Debel is among the few areas where people have remained despite ongoing tensions in the region.
Religious leaders strongly condemned the act. Father Fadi Flaifel, a local cleric, stated that the destruction of sacred symbols is unacceptable and violates basic human values. He also claimed that similar incidents have occurred in the past.
International reactions followed quickly. Mike Huckabee called for firm and visible consequences, describing the act as deeply offensive.
Overall, the incident has highlighted the importance of respecting religious symbols, especially in conflict zones. It also raises concerns about discipline and accountability within military operations.
