Israel’s top leaders and military officials have strongly denounced the destruction of a crucifix by an Israeli soldier in a Christian village in southern Lebanon. A photo circulating online depicts the soldier using an axe to damage a sculpture of Jesus on the cross. The incident took place in Debel, a village in southern Lebanon where residents endured an Israeli military campaign against the Hezbollah militia.
The desecrated cross was part of a shrine in a local family’s garden, as confirmed by a priest named Fadi Falfel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed shock and disapproval at the soldier’s actions, stating that they contradict Jewish principles of tolerance. U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, called for swift and severe repercussions for the soldier.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also condemned the soldier’s behavior as disgraceful and offered apologies to the Christian community for the offense caused. The Israeli military has initiated an investigation into the incident and affirmed that the soldier’s actions do not align with the values expected of IDF personnel. Efforts are underway to restore the damaged statue in Debel.
Following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Debel and other villages in southern Lebanon are under Israeli control. Despite the ceasefire, residents continue to face challenges accessing certain areas. Israeli military officials have assured collaboration with aid organizations to address the humanitarian needs of Debel and other affected villages.