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Israel Condemns Soldier's 'Disgraceful' Damage to Christian Statue in Lebanon

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar strongly condemned an incident where an IDF soldier was photographed damaging a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon. Sa'ar called the act "grave and disgraceful," apologized to Christians, and stressed it contradicts Israel's values of religious respect. The Israeli military has launched an investigation, vowing to take strict measures and help restore the statue. The incident occurred in Debel, a Christian village under Israeli military occupation in southern Lebanon.

Key Points: Israel condemns soldier damaging Christian statue in Lebanon

  • IDF soldier damages statue of crucified Jesus
  • Israeli FM condemns "shameful" act
  • Military launches investigation
  • Apology issued to Christians
  • Incident in occupied Lebanese village
3 min read

Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister condemns 'disgraceful' damage to 'Christian religious symbol' in Lebanon

Israeli FM apologizes after IDF soldier damages crucifix statue in Lebanon. Military investigation launched into "grave and disgraceful" act.

"The damaging of a Christian religious symbol by an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon is grave and disgraceful. - Gideon Sa'ar"

Tel Aviv, April 20

Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar on Monday strongly condemned an incident in which a "Christian religious symbol" was allegedly damaged by an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon, calling the act "grave and disgraceful."

According to CNN, the Israeli military had launched an investigation after a photograph circulating on social media showed an Israeli soldier allegedly damaging a statue of a crucified Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon.

In a post on X, Sa'ar said the action was "completely contrary to our values" and emphasised that Israel respects all religions and their sacred symbols and commended the IDF for its statement condemning the incident and also investigating the matter.

He said, "The damaging of a Christian religious symbol by an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon is grave and disgraceful. I commend the IDF for its statement, for condemning the incident, and for conducting an investigation into the matter. I'm confident that the necessary strict measures will be taken against whoever carried out this ugly act."

He added, "This shameful action is completely contrary to our values. Israel is a country that respects the different religions and their sacred symbols, and upholds tolerance and respect among faiths."

He also issued an apology to Christians affected by the incident, saying, "We apologise for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt."

According to CNN, the image, taken in the predominantly Christian village of Debel, showed the figure of Christ leaning against the cross, appearing upside down and removed from it. The photo, posted on Sunday, appeared to show an Israeli soldier striking the head of the statue of Christ on the cross with a hammer or an axe.

"We certainly condemn this shameful act because it offends our religious feelings and is an attack on our sacred beliefs," Maroun Nassif, the deputy head of the Debel municipality, told CNN.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement that it views the incident with "great severity," adding that the soldier's conduct is "wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops." The IDF's Northern Command has initiated an investigation into the matter.

"Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings," the IDF said.

It further added that it is working to assist the local community in restoring the statue to its original place.

Debel is among 55 towns and villages in southern Lebanon currently under Israeli military occupation. The village lies around four miles west of Bint Jbeil, which Israeli forces have encircled in ongoing operations targeting what they describe as a Hezbollah stronghold in the area, CNN reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
This is deeply disturbing. As Indians, we understand the pain of religious disrespect. No matter the conflict, sacred symbols must be off-limits. The soldier's actions are indefensible. Glad they are investigating, but the damage to community trust is already done. 🙏
A
Arun Y
The swift condemnation is good, but it feels like damage control. The article says the village is under occupation. When you hold power over a community, the responsibility to protect their heritage is even greater. This incident raises questions about discipline and training on the ground.
S
Sarah B
A very shameful act. In a region with so much religious history, such intolerance only fuels more conflict. The apology is necessary, but real respect means ensuring your forces understand and uphold the value of every faith, especially in occupied territories.
V
Vikram M
As a secular country, India should take note. This is why we must fiercely protect our own pluralism. The world needs more tolerance, not soldiers with hammers attacking statues. Hope they restore the statue properly and punish those responsible.
K
Kiran H
The statement from the minister is strong, which is good. But one has to ask, in the heat of conflict, do soldiers forget basic humanity? A crucifix is not a military target. It's a symbol of faith for a peaceful community. Very disappointing.

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