An image circulating on social media appears to show an IDF soldier striking a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in the Christian village of Debel in southern Lebanon. The IDF confirmed the photograph depicts one of its soldiers and has launched an investigation through its Northern Command.
The image was posted by Younis Tirawi, who identifies himself as a Palestinian reporter and has previously posted footage of alleged IDF misconduct in Gaza. Tirawi has faced accusations of ties to terrorist organizations, a factor that adds a layer of scrutiny to the timing and intent behind the post’s release.
There have been no other corroborating photos or videos of the image and no explanations of the context.
Reuters verified the location as Debel, one of the few villages in southern Lebanon where residents remained through Israel’s ongoing military campaign against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terror organization. The statue was part of a small shrine in a private family garden, according to local priest Fadi Falfel.
The IDF posted the following statement to Twitter:
“Following the completion of an initial examination regarding a photograph published earlier today of an IDF soldier harming a Christian symbol, it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon.
“The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.
“The incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is currently being addressed through the chain of command. Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings.
“Furthermore, the IDF is working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place.
“The IDF is operating to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure established by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and has no intention of harming civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also weighed in:
“As the Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths,” the Israeli PM tweeted. “All religions flourish in our land, and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region.
“Yesterday, like the overwhelming majority of Israelis, I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms. Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender.
“While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims, the Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle East. Israel is the only country in the region that the Christian population and standard of living is growing. Israel is the only place in the Middle East that adheres to freedom of worship for all. We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar did not wait for the investigation’s conclusion before going public.
“The damaging of a Christian religious symbol by an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon is grave and disgraceful,” Sa’ar posted on Twitter. “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.
“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.”
“We apologize for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt.”
The Northern Command announced it will also work to restore the damaged statue and assist the local Christian community, an unusual step that signals how seriously the military is treating the potential fallout.
The investigation is ongoing. No disciplinary measures have been announced.
Israel365 Action published an apology and initiated an online petition:
“This act is a chillul Hashem, a desecration of God’s name. It is an affront to the ancient Christian communities of the Middle East and to Christians all over the world. It is a vile betrayal of the Jewish values upon which the State of Israel was founded,” Israel365 Action wrote. “And it is a wound inflicted upon the fragile Jewish-Christian friendship that is more important than ever.
“We are particularly mindful of what this moment means for Jewish-Christian relations. Evangelical and other Christian communities have stood with Israel with remarkable faithfulness because they believe in Israel’s biblical significance and moral promise. The image of an IDF soldier destroying the likeness of their savior, in the very region where Jesus himself walked, demands that the Jewish people engage in genuine soul-searching. Too many Israelis remain unaware of how deeply Christians love Israel and the Jewish people, and too few are taught to understand modern Christianity with the seriousness it deserves. This must change.”
“As Jewish leaders, we apologize to the Christian community for this repulsive act and renew our commitment to stand for the sanctity of all holy places, all sacred symbols, and all human dignity, because that is what our Torah demands, and because that is the only foundation upon which a lasting friendship between our peoples can be built.”
