Netanyahu Vows “Harsh Action” After Israeli Soldier Vandalises Jesus Statue in Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned an incident involving an Israeli soldier who was filmed vandalising a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon, saying disciplinary action and a criminal investigation have been launched.

“I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon,” Netanyahu wrote on X.

“I condemn the act in the strongest terms. Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender,” he added.

The Israeli military confirmed the authenticity of the image circulating online, saying it showed one of its soldiers operating in southern Lebanon.

It said it viewed the incident in “great severity”, adding that the “soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops”.

The army also stated that “appropriate measures will be taken against those involved” and said it is working with the local community to “restore the statue to its place”.

The sculpture, depicting a crucified Jesus, is located in the Christian village of Debl in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border, according to local officials, though it remains unclear if it was badly damaged.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the incident as “shameful and disgraceful”.

“I am confident that necessary severe measures will be taken against whoever committed this ugly act,” he said.

“We apologise for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt.”

The development comes amid continued tensions in southern Lebanon following Israeli military operations linked to the wider regional conflict.

A ceasefire has recently been reported, although Israeli forces are still present in parts of southern Lebanon.