Israel’s military announced the replacement of a crucifix in southern Lebanon after a soldier destroyed it over the weekend. A photo of the new crucifix, which is smaller but more intricate than the original statue, was shared on social media by the Israeli military. The replacement process was coordinated with the community in the Lebanese village of Debel, involving a metallic-sheened Jesus figure and four paintings of saints on each arm of the cross.
According to a statement by the Israeli military, an investigation revealed that one soldier damaged the religious symbol while another soldier captured the act in a photograph. As a result, two soldiers were relieved from combat duty and placed in military detention for 30 days. The statement also mentioned that six other soldiers were present during the incident but did not intervene.
A widely condemned image showed an Israeli soldier using the blunt side of an axe on a fallen sculpture of Jesus on the cross, drawing criticism from Israeli politicians, the United States, and church leaders. The photo was initially shared by Younis Tirawi, a Palestinian reporter known for exposing alleged misconduct by Israeli soldiers in Gaza.
The authenticity of the image was verified by Reuters, confirming it was taken in Debel, a village in southern Lebanon where residents endured Israel’s military offensive against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia that commenced on March 2. Lebanon’s population of approximately 5.5 million includes a significant Christian community, with Christians accounting for about a third of the population. Many Christians were displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon during the conflict.