Netanyahu Condemns Soldier’s Vandalism of Jesus Statue in Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed harsh disciplinary action against an Israeli soldier caught vandalising a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon.

NaijaChoice News reports that the Prime Minister described himself as stunned and saddened by the incident, which unfolded in the Christian village of Debel. He condemned the act in the strongest terms and said military authorities have opened a criminal probe.

The widely shared photograph shows the soldier striking the head of a fallen crucifix with a sledgehammer. The Israeli Defence Forces confirmed the image is genuine and described the soldier’s conduct as inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.

Netanyahu stressed that Israel upholds freedom of worship for all faiths and remains the only country in the Middle East where the Christian population continues to grow. He expressed regret for any hurt caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world.

The statue formed part of a small family shrine on the edge of Debel, one of the few villages in southern Lebanon where residents stayed amid Israeli operations against Hezbollah militants. Local priest Fadi Falfel rejected the desecration and called for respect for religious symbols.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar joined the condemnation, labelling the act grave and disgraceful while offering an apology to affected Christians. The IDF says it has identified the soldier and is working with the local Christian community to restore the statue.

The development has resonated in Nigeria, where millions of Christians hold sacred images in high esteem and often speak against religious desecration.

Israeli officials say appropriate measures will be taken once the investigation concludes.