The IDF confirmed the authenticity of the image that appeared on social media, showing an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon desecrating a statue of Jesus Christ, and stated that it depicts one of its servicemen.
An Israeli soldier is apparently using a sledgehammer to strike the head of a statue of the crucified Jesus, which had fallen from the cross.
Arab media reported that the statue was located in the Christian village of Debl in southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel.
The Israeli army stated that it takes the incident "very seriously," adding that "the soldier's behavior is completely contrary to the values expected of its servicemen."
"After completing the initial investigation regarding the photograph published today showing a soldier of the IDF harming a Christian symbol, it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon," the IDF said in a statement on its official account on X.
The incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is currently "being addressed through the chain of command," the military added.
The statement noted that "appropriate measures will be taken against those involved," but no details were provided.
The Israeli army stated that it is working with the local population to "return the statue to its place."
Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war in early March when the Iran-backed group Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in support of Iran.
Israel responded with massive strikes across the country and an incursion into the south.
Israeli troops remain in the area despite a ceasefire between the two countries that took effect on Friday.
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— Younis Tirawi | يونس (@ytirawi) April 19, 2026
An Israeli soldier smashing the head of a Jesus Christ statue during operations in southern Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/Sj1m16tj9q
