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IDF disciplines soldiers over statue incident
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Tuesday that two soldiers involved in damaging a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon will serve 30 days of military detention. The soldiers, whose identities remain undisclosed, will also be barred from combat roles following an internal inquiry.
Incident sparks global backlash
The incident occurred in Debel, a village in southern Lebanon, where one soldier struck the statue with a sledgehammer while another photographed the act. The image circulated widely online, drawing sharp criticism from religious leaders, international officials, and Israeli leadership.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the act "stunning and saddening," while U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee demanded "swift, severe, and public consequences" for what he described as an "outrageous act."
IDF expresses regret, replaces statue
In its statement, the IDF condemned the soldiers' actions as "a complete deviation from IDF orders and values" and extended "deep regret" for the incident. The military noted that the damaged statue had since been restored in coordination with the local community.
The IDF emphasized that its operations in Lebanon target only "Hezbollah and other terrorist groups," not Lebanese civilians.
Local and religious reactions
Father Fadi Flaifel, head of Debel's congregation, told the BBC the desecration of the cross-a sacred symbol-violated human rights and civilized norms. He alleged similar incidents had occurred previously.
The statue stood on a crucifix outside a family home in Debel, one of the few villages where residents remained amid Israel's conflict with Hezbollah.
Broader context of the conflict
Israel's military presence in southern Lebanon follows a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that paused six weeks of hostilities with Hezbollah. Both sides have since accused each other of violating the truce.
Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel in solidarity with Iran after Israel and the U.S. initiated military action against Tehran on February 28. Since Israel's March 2 offensive in Lebanon, Lebanese authorities report over 2,290 deaths, including 177 children and 100 healthcare workers, with more than a million displaced. Israel states 13 of its soldiers and two civilians have died in Hezbollah attacks during the same period.
Additional disciplinary measures
The IDF confirmed six other soldiers present at the scene, who failed to intervene or report the incident, will face separate disciplinary action.
