'Offends our religious feelings': Image of IDF soldier striking Jesus statue in Lebanon sparks outrage

Israel’s military has opened an investigation after a photograph circulated online appearing to show one of its soldiers striking a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon.The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that an initial examination found the image depicts a soldier operating in the south of the country, where Israeli troops remain deployed despite a recent ceasefire. In a statement, the military said it viewed the incident “with great severity”, adding that the conduct shown was “wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops”. The case is now being investigated by the Northern Command, with officials saying action would be taken depending on the findings. Earlier, IDF spokesman Nadav Shoshani had said the army was examining the authenticity of the image, noting that if verified, such behaviour would not align with the standards expected of Israeli soldiers.Also read: Trump hails 'great ally' of US for 'knowing how to win'The photograph, widely shared on social media, appears to show a soldier using a hammer or similar tool to strike the head of a crucified Jesus statue that had become dislodged from its cross. Arab media reports suggested the statue was located in the predominantly Christian village of Debl, near the Israeli border, though local officials said they could not confirm the extent of the damage. “We certainly condemn this shameful act because it offends our religious feelings and is an attack on our sacred beliefs,” Maroun Nassif, deputy head of the Debl municipality, said.The IDF said it was working to assist the community in restoring the statue, stressing that its operations in southern Lebanon are aimed at dismantling infrastructure linked to Hezbollah and not at harming civilian or religious sites.