Israel Defense Forces punish soldier who smashed Jesus Christ statue in Lebanon
IDF soldiers. Illustrative photo: Wisam Hashlamoun/Flash90
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on April 21, 2026, announced the punishment of a serviceman who a couple of days earlier destroyed a statue of Jesus Christ in the Christian village of Debl in Nabatieh province, in southern Lebanon, reports news.walla.
The soldier was sentenced to 30 days in the guardhouse and suspension from participation in combat operations. The same punishment was given to a second fighter who filmed the incident on camera.
Six other servicemen who were present during the act of vandalism were called for disciplinary interviews, based on the results of which further decisions will be made.
It is noted that the investigation established that the soldiers' actions grossly violated army orders and do not correspond to IDF values. The Chief of General Staff called what happened "reprehensible behavior that goes beyond acceptable limits."
The army press service expressed regret about what happened and reported that military actions are not directed against the civilian population. According to them, the Northern District command is helping village residents replace the destroyed statue. Instructions on handling religious objects and symbols have been reiterated to soldiers and officers.
As the UOJ wrote, the photograph of a soldier in full combat gear destroying the statue with a sledgehammer went viral on social media and provoked a diplomatic scandal. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that he was "shocked and saddened" and promised "severe disciplinary measures".
Read also
MP urges to ease pressure on UOC for sake of peace
Oleksii Honcharenko proposed compromises on language, historical memory, and Church issues as part of efforts to achieve peace, saying those who wish to attend the “Russian Church” should be allowed to do so.
Court takes 17th-century church in Staryi Pochaiv from UOC community
A commercial court overturned a 2018 registrar’s decision and stripped the UOC’s Ternopil Eparchy of ownership of the 17th-century church.
Vinnytsia Eparchy honors Bar Icon of the Mother of God
Metropolitan Varsonofiy celebrated the Liturgy at the Bar Convent on the feast day of the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God.
Rada speaker discusses legalization of same-sex marriage in Rivne region
Ruslan Stefanchuk suggested that sponsors of separate bills to legalize same-sex marriage personally make their case to Ukrainians.
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.