Netanyahu condemns desecration of statue of Christ in Lebanon
According to the prime minister, Israel is the only place in the Middle East where freedom of religion is upheld for all.
On April 20, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to X to strongly condemn the actions of an Israeli soldier who damaged a Catholic statue in southern Lebanon. The head of government said he was shocked and saddened to learn of the incident.
According to the Israeli leader, the Jewish state upholds the principles of tolerance and mutual respect among representatives of all faiths.
Netanyahu stressed that all religions flourish in Israel and that followers of different faiths are regarded as equal participants in the building of society.
“I condemn the act in the strongest terms,” the prime minister said. He also stated that the military authorities are already conducting a criminal investigation into the incident. Severe disciplinary measures have reportedly been promised against those responsible.
In his statement, the politician contrasted the situation in Israel with the position of Christians in other Middle Eastern countries. Netanyahu claimed that Christian populations in Syria and Lebanon face persecution from Muslims. At the same time, he said that Israel remains the only place in the region where both the Christian population and Christians’ standard of living are growing.
The Israeli prime minister expressed regret over what had happened and apologized for the pain this incident caused to believers in Lebanon and throughout the world. He once again emphasized that Israel remains committed to the principle of freedom of religion for all.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that an Israeli soldier had destroyed a statue of Christ in Lebanon.
