The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the images showing soldiers in uniform using a hammer to destroy a statue of Jesus Christ in a Christian village in southern Lebanon are genuine. The IDF described the act as severely against the military's values and pledged to help restore and repair the statue to its original state.
The IDF issued a statement through its official X account, acknowledging that the widely circulated footage online—showing an Israeli soldier using a hammer to strike the head of a crucified Jesus statue in southern Lebanon—is authentic and was carried out by one of its soldiers.
The details of the incident were rapidly shared since Sunday, 19 Apr 2024 GMT+7, indicating it took place in Debel, a Maronite Christian village about 5 to 6 kilometers from the Israeli border. Reports said the statue had fallen from the cross to the ground before the soldier proceeded to damage it.
The Israeli military described the incident as "extremely serious" and stated that the soldier’s behavior "completely contradicts the values expected of our personnel." Currently, Israel’s Northern Command is investigating the facts. The military confirmed that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken following the chain of command and promised to coordinate with the local community to help restore and reinstall the statue at its original location.
Wadi Abunassar, coordinator of the Christian Council in the Holy Land, called for a serious investigation into the matter, stating, "Such violations cannot be ignored," and urged that those responsible be brought to justice.
This incident occurred amid ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah that took effect on 17 Apr 2024 GMT+7. However, some Israeli forces remain active in the area.
The conflict in Lebanon escalated in early March 2024 GMT+7 after Hezbollah launched rocket attacks against Israel in response to regional tensions, leading to heavy Israeli airstrikes and a subsequent ground invasion.