An image of an Israeli soldier apparently hitting a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon has prompted widespread condemnation after being widely shared online.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was 'stunned and saddened' by what happened. Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, stated: 'We apologise for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt.'
Locals say the statue was on a crucifix outside a family home on the edge of Debel, one of the few villages where residents have remained during Israel's war with Hezbollah. The head of Debel's congregation, Father Fadi Flaifel, told the BBC: 'We totally reject the desecration of the cross, our sacred symbol, and all religious symbols.'
He claimed similar acts had happened before.
The Israeli military confirmed that the image circulating on social media was genuine, emphasizing that the soldier's conduct is inconsistent with the values expected of its troops. They stated that 'appropriate measures' will be taken against those involved and that they are working with the Christian community to 'restore the statue to its place.'
Amid continuing occupation by thousands of Israeli troops in southern Lebanon after a recent ceasefire, the incident highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon, further inflamed by conflicts with Hezbollah. International figures, including the US Ambassador to Israel, have called for severe consequences for the soldier's actions, which have been condemned as part of a growing trend of animosity towards Christianity in the region. The incident has fueled debates about the status and treatment of Christian symbols and communities amid the ongoing geopolitical turmoil.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was 'stunned and saddened' by what happened. Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, stated: 'We apologise for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt.'
Locals say the statue was on a crucifix outside a family home on the edge of Debel, one of the few villages where residents have remained during Israel's war with Hezbollah. The head of Debel's congregation, Father Fadi Flaifel, told the BBC: 'We totally reject the desecration of the cross, our sacred symbol, and all religious symbols.'
He claimed similar acts had happened before.
The Israeli military confirmed that the image circulating on social media was genuine, emphasizing that the soldier's conduct is inconsistent with the values expected of its troops. They stated that 'appropriate measures' will be taken against those involved and that they are working with the Christian community to 'restore the statue to its place.'
Amid continuing occupation by thousands of Israeli troops in southern Lebanon after a recent ceasefire, the incident highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon, further inflamed by conflicts with Hezbollah. International figures, including the US Ambassador to Israel, have called for severe consequences for the soldier's actions, which have been condemned as part of a growing trend of animosity towards Christianity in the region. The incident has fueled debates about the status and treatment of Christian symbols and communities amid the ongoing geopolitical turmoil.
