The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed the authenticity of a viral image showing one of its soldiers smashing a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon, stating that disciplinary action will follow.
The military disclosed this in a statement released shortly after midnight on Sunday, after the image gained traction online. Earlier, IDF spokesperson Nadav Shoshani had indicated on X that an investigation would be launched.
Following an initial review, the military said that “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 military said.
The incident reportedly occurred in Debel, a Christian community where Israeli forces had previously carried out operations against Hezbollah.
The IDF said the case is under investigation by its Northern Command and is being addressed “through the chain of command,” adding that “appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings.”
It also stated that the Northern Command would support efforts to restore the damaged statue.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, condemned the act, describing it as a “shameful action” and issuing an apology.
“I’m confident that the necessary strict measures will be taken against whoever carried out this ugly act,” he said on X. “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,” he added.
- The Times of Israel