The Israeli army confirmed on Monday, April 20th, that one of its soldiers was indeed seen in an image circulating on social media showing him hitting a statue of Jesus in the village of Debel, in southern Lebanon.
The scene was reportedly photographed in Debel, a Christian village near the Israeli border, as reported by Reuters on April 20th. Following the opening of an investigation on Sunday, the army stated on Telegram that “after a preliminary examination, it was established that this photograph shows a soldier from the Israeli forces on a mission in southern Lebanon.”
The online image appears to show a soldier using a club against a representation of the crucified Christ that had fallen off its cross. Reuters reported that the incident took place in the village of Debel. The local priest, Fadi Falfel, explained to the agency that the cross was part of a small family shrine in the garden of a house at the entrance to the village. He denounced “this desecration of our sacred symbols.”
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Amid the controversy, the Israeli army condemned the incident and stated that an investigation was underway. Reuters also specified that they were working on reinstating the statue. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the degradation of “a Christian religious symbol” as a “serious and shameful” act. “I welcome the army’s statement, which condemns the incident and has opened an investigation,” he added.
The Israeli diplomacy chief also assured that “severe measures will be taken against the perpetrators of this heinous act.” “We apologize for this incident and to all Christians who were hurt,” he said.
This incident comes in the context of heightened tensions in southern Lebanon. Israel has conducted a military campaign in the area since March 2nd, following rocket attacks by Hezbollah. Debel is one of the towns in southern Lebanon under the effective control of the Israeli army during operations. A ceasefire negotiated with U.S. support came into effect on Thursday between Israel and Lebanon, but according to the priest of Debel, residents still face significant restrictions on movement and a difficult humanitarian situation.
published on April 20th at 12:20 PM by Noah Sdiri, 6medias
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