The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has launched an investigation after a photo surfaced on social media showing an Israeli soldier damaging a statue of the crucified Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon, according to an official IDF statement.
The image, taken in the predominantly Christian village of Debel, shows a figure of Christ leaning against a cross. The statue appears to have been removed from the cross and overturned. In the photo published on April 19, an Israeli soldier is seen striking the figure’s head with what appears to be a hammer or axe.
“Following the completion of an initial examination regarding a photograph published earlier today of an IDF soldier harming a Christian symbol, it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon,” the army said.
The IDF stated that it treats the incident “with great severity,” adding that the soldier’s conduct completely contradicts the values upheld by the military. The army’s Northern Command is conducting an investigation, and “appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings.”
The IDF also said it is working to help the local community return the statue to its original place.
Debel is one of 55 towns and villages in southern Lebanon currently occupied by Israeli forces. It is located about 6.5 kilometres west of Bint Jbeil, a city the IDF has encircled in operations it says are aimed at eliminating Hezbollah strongholds.
By Jeyhun Aghazada
