Outrage Erupts Over Israeli Soldier's Destruction of Jesus Statue in Lebanon

Tue Apr 21 2026 13:38:49 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The incident involving an Israeli soldier vandalizing a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon has ignited condemnation from officials and communities across the globe, highlighting tensions amid ongoing regional conflicts.

An Israeli soldier’s actions in vandalizing a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon have drawn widespread outrage, with condemnation from Israel's Prime Minister and local Christian leaders. The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, shortly after a ceasefire was established in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli Defense Forces have promised investigations and emphasized the gravity of the soldier's actions, reflecting ongoing concerns about civil and religious respect in conflict zones.

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, said: '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. It goes against the declaration of human rights, and it doesn't reflect civility.'

He claimed similar acts had happened before.

The Israeli military confirmed that the image circulating on social media was genuine, and said it viewed the incident 'with great severity and emphasises that the soldier's conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.'

'Appropriate measures' will be taken against those involved, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) added, saying it was working with the Christian community to 'restore the statue to its place.'

Thousands of Israeli troops continue to occupy a wide area of southern Lebanon after a US-brokered ceasefire came into force between Israel and Lebanon on Friday. The ceasefire has paused six weeks of fighting between the IDF and the Shia Muslim armed group Hezbollah, although both sides have accused each other of violations.

News of the attack on the statue prompted the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, to say on X that 'swift, severe, & public consequences are needed.'

Right-wing US commentators were quick to denounce the picture of the Israeli soldier and the statue of Jesus. 'Horrific,' wrote Matt Gaetz, a former adviser to President Donald Trump as he reposted the photo. Former US congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene also shared the picture and wrote: 'Our greatest ally that takes billions of our tax dollars and weapons every year.'

Polls indicate there has been a recent drop in support for Israel in the US, its most important ally.

A recent survey by the Pew Research Center suggested 60% of US adults had an unfavorable view of Israel, up from 53% last year.

Huckabee has called for a public accountability regarding Israel’s actions, stating that an episode earlier, where Israeli police prevented the top Roman Catholic leader in Jerusalem from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for a private Mass, was an 'unfortunate overreach.'

Benjamin Netanyahu's response emphasizes that 'the Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle East,' asserting that Israel is committed to freedom of worship for all.

Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel in support of Iran days after hostilities resumed, with significant casualties reported on both sides amid escalating conflict.