Israel Confirms Soldier Striking Lebanese Jesus Statue; Foreign Minister Condemns and Apologizes
A photo circulating on social media shows an Israeli soldier striking a Jesus statue in southern Lebanon. The IDF confirmed the photo today, with the Foreign Minister condemning the act and issuing a public apology.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 19:26
- 🔍 Collected: April 20, 2026 at 20:01 (35 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 20:14 (12 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency Jerusalem, April 20, International News) A photo widely circulated on social media recently shows an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon striking a local Jesus statue. The IDF confirmed today that this is a real photo; the Israeli Foreign Minister has severely condemned this act and publicly apologized.
According to AFP, the photo appears to show an Israeli soldier using a sledgehammer to strike the head of a Jesus statue that had fallen from a cross. Local municipal authorities told AFP that the statue is located in Debl, a Christian village in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border, but officials could not confirm if the statue was damaged.
The Israeli military stated on its official X account today that the military "takes this incident very seriously" and emphasized that "the soldier's actions are completely contrary to the values expected of the unit."
The IDF pointed out that after a preliminary investigation into the photo of an IDF soldier damaging a Christian symbol, it was confirmed that the person in the photo was an IDF soldier on a mission in southern Lebanon.
The IDF stated that "appropriate measures will be taken against the personnel involved" but did not disclose further details; additionally, they will cooperate with local communities to "assist in restoring the statue to its original position."
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the act as "shameful and disgraceful." He wrote on X: "I believe that anyone involved in this ugly incident will face the necessary severe punishment."
Saar also mentioned: "We apologize for this incident and extend our apologies to all Christians who feel hurt by it."
Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group in Lebanon, fired rockets at Israel in early March in solidarity with Iran, drawing Lebanon into the Middle East war.
Israel subsequently launched large-scale airstrikes across Lebanon and deployed troops to southern Lebanon. Although a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon took effect on the 17th of this month, Israeli troops continue to be stationed in southern Lebanon. (Compiled by Hung Pei-ying) 1150420
Stand with the truth. Your every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "One-Stop News" APP to grasp the latest news in real-time.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, or transmitted or used without authorization.
(Central News Agency Jerusalem, April 20, International News) A photo widely circulated on social media recently shows an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon striking a local Jesus statue. The IDF confirmed today that this is a real photo; the Israeli Foreign Minister has severely condemned this act and publicly apologized.
According to AFP, the photo appears to show an Israeli soldier using a sledgehammer to strike the head of a Jesus statue that had fallen from a cross. Local municipal authorities told AFP that the statue is located in Debl, a Christian village in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border, but officials could not confirm if the statue was damaged.
The Israeli military stated on its official X account today that the military "takes this incident very seriously" and emphasized that "the soldier's actions are completely contrary to the values expected of the unit."
The IDF pointed out that after a preliminary investigation into the photo of an IDF soldier damaging a Christian symbol, it was confirmed that the person in the photo was an IDF soldier on a mission in southern Lebanon.
The IDF stated that "appropriate measures will be taken against the personnel involved" but did not disclose further details; additionally, they will cooperate with local communities to "assist in restoring the statue to its original position."
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the act as "shameful and disgraceful." He wrote on X: "I believe that anyone involved in this ugly incident will face the necessary severe punishment."
Saar also mentioned: "We apologize for this incident and extend our apologies to all Christians who feel hurt by it."
Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group in Lebanon, fired rockets at Israel in early March in solidarity with Iran, drawing Lebanon into the Middle East war.
Israel subsequently launched large-scale airstrikes across Lebanon and deployed troops to southern Lebanon. Although a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon took effect on the 17th of this month, Israeli troops continue to be stationed in southern Lebanon. (Compiled by Hung Pei-ying) 1150420
Stand with the truth. Your every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "One-Stop News" APP to grasp the latest news in real-time.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, or transmitted or used without authorization.