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IsraA soldier photographed trying to damage a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon

• A photograph shows an Israeli soldier trying to damage a statue of Jesus, causing online claims of a war crime, although neither Lebanon nor Israel has ratified the relevant text.

The controversial image has been authenticated. It shows an Israeli soldier, wielding a sledgehammer at a fallen crucified Jesus statue. The Israeli army confirmed the incident and opened an investigation, which garnered condemnation from the Israeli Prime Minister.

The act of vandalism in the village of Debl, southern Lebanon, is believed to constitute a “war crime,” according to an international law attorney. The lawyer cites the Rome Statute, foundation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 1998, in support of this claim.

The Rome Statute outlines various acts as constituting war crimes, including “destruction and appropriation of property, not justified by military necessity, carried out on a large scale unlawfully and arbitrarily.” It specifically mentions intentionally attacking religious buildings, as long as they are not military objectives.

Despite clear legal implications, neither Israel nor Lebanon have ratified the Rome Statute, limiting ICC jurisdiction over presumed crimes in southern Lebanon. In February, five NGOs, including Human Rights Watch, urged Lebanese authorities to ratify the Rome Statute for victims of crimes in the country to seek justice and reparations.

The Hague Convention of 1954

International bodies view destruction of cultural heritage as a war crime. Interpol and the UN Security Council have taken steps against cultural property pillaging and trafficking during conflicts. The 1954 Hague Convention protects cultural heritage during armed conflicts. Two protocols supplement the convention, now signed by both Israel and Lebanon. The second protocol outlines five acts that constitute serious violations in international law, including vandalism against protected cultural properties.

These texts also enhance protection for cultural assets during conflicts. UNESCO placed 39 cultural properties in Lebanon under this status, primarily temples and archaeological sites, granting them the highest level of legal protection against military use. Damage to these properties could lead to potential criminal liability, according to UNESCO.

When asked if a religious statue like the vandalized one could receive enhanced protection, a UNESCO spokesperson mentioned that the incident did not occur within UNESCO World Heritage Sites and did not benefit from reinforced protection. They continue to monitor conflict impact on cultural heritage in the region, stressing the unacceptable nature of deliberate or accidental destruction.