The IDF has confirmed it has replaced a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon after it was destroyed by an Israeli soldier over the weekend.
An image shared widely on social media showed the soldier taking an axe to the head of the sculpture, which had been toppled from its position on a large crucifix by the roadside near Debel.
The military swiftly issued an apology, confirming on Sunday evening that an investigation was underway.
"The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasises that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops,” they said.
The IDF is currently examining the reliability of the photograph.
— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) April 19, 2026
If this is indeed a real, recent picture, these actions do not align with the IDF's values and the behavior expected of IDF soldiers.
The incident will be investigated thoroughly and in depth, and if… pic.twitter.com/xMTtEMp4dS
The soldier’s actions were also condemned by Netanyahu, who wrote: “As the Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths. All religions flourish in our land and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region.
“Yesterday, like the overwhelming majority of Israelis, I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms. Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender.”
The soldier has been jailed for 30 days while all six of those present have been removed from combat duty and face a disciplinary review, according to Channel 12’s Amit Segal.
And the IDF has subsequently shared an image of a replacement statue, which it said has now been erected at the site with the help of its troops.
"A short while ago, in full coordination with the local community of Debel in southern Lebanon, the damaged statue was replaced by IDF troops,” an army spokesperson announced on Tuesday.
"The Northern Command worked to coordinate the replacement of the statue from the moment it received the report of the incident.
“The IDF expresses deep regret over the incident, and is working to ensure that it does not happen again in the future.”
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