An incident involving an Israeli soldier in the southern Lebanon generated international rejection after an image was spread in which The soldier can be seen hitting the head of a statue of Jesus Christ with a mallet.
The photograph, whose authenticity was confirmed by the Israeli army, shows the moment in which the religious figure, already detached from the cross, is attacked. The event occurred in the Christian village of Debl, near the border between both countries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his rejection of the act and assured that severe disciplinary measures will be taken. “I condemn the act in the strongest terms,” he said, while reporting on the opening of a criminal investigation.
Investigation opened against Israeli soldier
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that The incident is considered with “great severity” and they indicated that the soldier’s conduct is incompatible with the values of the institution.
Although no details were offered about possible sanctions, the Army assured that the corresponding measures will be taken against those involved. He also indicated that he is working with the local community to restore the affected statue.
The event provoked reactions from religious leaders and international authorities. Adeeb Joudeh AlHusseini, custodian of the keys of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, called the act a violation of the sanctity and dignity of the faith.
For his part, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the behavior as “shameful and dishonorable” and apologized to the Christian community.
Condemnations were also added from the international level, with calls for quick and forceful sanctions to be applied.
Tension in the region
The incident occurs in the middle of a fragile ceasefire after months of clashes between Israel and the Hezbollah group in southern Lebanon.
The conflict, which intensified since March, has left thousands of victims and displaced people, also affecting Christian communities in the region. Despite the recent truce, Israeli troops remain deployed in Lebanese territory.
