The Israeli military has disciplined two soldiers after a statue of Jesus was damaged in southern Lebanon, an incident that drew strong criticism online. The sculpture, located in the Christian village of Debl near the Israeli border, was shown in a widely circulated image being struck with a sledgehammer by one of the soldiers.
Following an internal investigation, the military announced that both the soldier who carried out the act and the one who photographed it would be removed from combat roles and given 30 days of detention. Six other soldiers present at the scene are also being questioned for failing to intervene or report what happened.
The military stated that the behavior violated its rules and values, stressing that its operations in Lebanon are aimed at armed groups like Hezbollah, not civilians or religious symbols. It also said the damaged statue has since been replaced in coordination with the local community.
The incident comes amid ongoing tensions and conflict in Lebanon, where violence has caused thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act, expressing shock and promising strict disciplinary action against those responsible.
