Horror as Christ Is “Crucified Again” by Israeli Army in Lebanon
A photo of an Israeli soldier damaging a crucifix statue in southern Lebanon sparked outrage; Israel condemned the act, launched an investigation, and promised to repair the religious symbol.
Christ Is “Crucified Again”! An Israeli soldier appears in a photograph striking a statue of the Crucified Christ with a sledgehammer in a Christian town in southern Lebanon, sparking strong reactions.
The incident was recorded in the town of Debel, home to a Christian community, during recent operations by Israeli forces.
The Israeli army confirmed that the photograph is authentic. It announced that it is conducting an investigation into the incident and will impose sanctions on those responsible.
The IDF’s Response
In a post on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that after an initial examination, it was confirmed that the image shows one of its soldiers operating in southern Lebanon. The army described the incident as unacceptable and emphasized that necessary measures will be taken.
At the same time, Israeli authorities contacted the local Christian community and pledged to restore the statue.
The IDF is currently examining the reliability of the photograph.
If this is indeed a real, recent picture, these actions do not align with the IDF’s values and the behavior expected of IDF soldiers.The incident will be investigated thoroughly and in depth, and if… pic.twitter.com/xMTtEMp4dS
— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) April 19, 2026
The Context of the Operations
The Israeli army maintains that its actions in southern Lebanon are exclusively aimed at Hezbollah infrastructure.
It denies any intent to target civilian sites or religious symbols and characterizes this specific incident as isolated.
The photograph, which has circulated widely on social media, has provoked intense debates and condemnations, especially from Christian circles, as it contradicts the respect due to religious symbols amid conflicts.
A photo of an Israeli soldier smashing a statue of Jesus Christ with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon has sparked widespread condemnation. Israeli officials confirmed the image is genuine and ‘promised to investigate.’ pic.twitter.com/0byuRyUhRS
— Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) April 20, 2026
Netanyahu’s Reaction
Netanyahu specifically stated:
“As the Jewish state, Israel honors and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all religions. All religions flourish in our land, and we regard members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region.
Yesterday, like the vast majority of Israelis, I was shocked and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier caused damage to a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I strongly condemn this act. The military authorities are conducting a criminal investigation into the matter and will take appropriate stringent disciplinary measures against the offender.
While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims, the Christian population in Israel is thriving, unlike anywhere else in the Middle East. Israel is the only country in the region where the Christian population and their living standards are increasing. Israel is the only place in the Middle East that embraces freedom of worship for all. We express our sorrow over the incident and for any hurt it caused the faithful in Lebanon and worldwide.”
As the Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths. All religions flourish in our land and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region.
Yesterday, like the…
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 20, 2026
