Israeli Soldiers Punished Over Vandalism of Jesus Statue in Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has disciplined soldiers involved in the vandalism of a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon, following widespread condemnation of the incident.

According to the IDF, the soldier who struck the statue with a sledgehammer, along with another who photographed the act, will each serve 30 days of military detention and be removed from combat duties. The military added that six additional soldiers present at the scene, who failed to intervene or report the incident, will face separate disciplinary action.

The incident occurred in the village of Debel, where an image of the damaged statue circulated widely online, sparking outrage both locally and internationally.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “stunned and saddened” by the act, as criticism mounted over the conduct of the troops.

In a statement, the IDF said its internal inquiry found the soldiers’ actions “completely deviated from IDF orders and values” and expressed “deep regret” over what happened. It added that the damaged statue had since been replaced in coordination with the local community.

The military emphasised that its operations in Lebanon are directed solely against militant groups, including Hezbollah, and not against civilians or religious sites.

Local leaders strongly condemned the act. Father Fadi Flaifel, head of the village’s congregation, described it as a desecration of a sacred symbol, saying it violated principles of respect and human rights.