The Israeli military confirmed on Monday that a video circulating online showing one of its soldiers smashing a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon is authentic.
The footage, filmed in the Christian village of Debel near the Israeli border, depicts a soldier in uniform using a sledgehammer to destroy a religious statue located outside a family home.
According to the military’s statement, the incident occurred during Israel’s ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon, which began following cross-border hostilities initiated by Hezbollah on October 8, 2023.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they have launched an investigation into the conduct of the soldier involved, emphasizing that such actions do not reflect the values or standard operating procedures of the Israeli military.
The village of Debel is one of the few Christian communities in southern Lebanon where residents chose to remain during the Israeli military campaign, despite widespread displacement in the region.
Local residents reported that the destroyed statue was part of a crucifix situated on the property of a private residence, underscoring the personal and religious significance of the artifact to the community.
The IDF reiterated its commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and respecting cultural and religious sites during military operations, noting that investigations into alleged misconduct are conducted according to established military protocols.
The military has not disclosed the identity of the soldier or provided a timeline for the completion of the internal investigation.
