The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Tuesday that a soldier was removed from combat duty after using a sledgehammer to damage a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon. Another soldier, who filmed the incident, received the same punishment, serving 30 days in military prison.
This event took place in the village of Deber, where one soldier captured a photo of another with the blunt side of an ax raised against the statue’s head. The image quickly circulated on social media, igniting outrage and condemnation from religious and political figures around the world.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his surprise and sadness over the incident, stating he found it as distressing as the “overwhelming majority of Israelis.” He condemned the act and confirmed that military authorities are investigating and will impose strict disciplinary measures on those responsible.
He added, “As a Jewish state, Israel values and promotes the principles of tolerance and mutual respect among all faiths. All religions are respected in our land, and we see believers as equals in building our communities.”
On Monday, Catholic priests in the Holy Land responded with a statement of “deep outrage and unreserved condemnation” over the portrayal of Jesus being attacked by Israeli soldiers.
The IDF committed to a prompt investigation, with initial findings suggesting the soldiers acted against the orders and values of the military. They emphasized that training regarding conduct at religious sites would be reinforced for troops in the area in the wake of the incident.
Additional disciplinary measures may be taken against six other soldiers present during the event who failed to intervene.
Brig. Gen. Saghib Dahan, who oversees the southern Lebanese sector, acknowledged the report’s findings and accepted the recommended actions. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir labeled the act as “unacceptable” and a moral failure that did not align with IDF standards.
The IDF expressed regret over the incident, underscoring that its operations in Lebanon target Hezbollah and other terrorist groups, not civilians. They also indicated that immediately after learning of the incident, they began efforts to aid the local community in repairing the statue.
By Tuesday, the IDF announced the replacement of the damaged statue.
The Debelle incident has garnered significant attention, being described as shameful amid ongoing conflict that has seen a rise in allegations of looting and vandalism by Israeli forces, often supported by photographic evidence taken by soldiers.
