An image showing an Israeli soldier apparently striking a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon has sparked widespread outrage after circulating widely on social media.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “stunned and saddened” by the incident, while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar issued an apology, saying: “We apologise for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt.”
Local residents said the statue was part of a crucifix located outside a family home in the village of Debel, one of the few communities where civilians have remained during Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
Father Fadi Flaifel, head of the local congregation, condemned the act.
“We totally reject the desecration of the cross, our sacred symbol, and all religious symbols,” he told the BBC, adding that such actions violate fundamental human rights and do not reflect civilized conduct.
He also claimed that similar incidents had occurred previously.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the authenticity of the image and said it viewed the incident “with great severity.” The military stated that the soldier’s actions were inconsistent with its values and that “appropriate measures” would be taken. It also said efforts were underway in coordination with the Christian community to restore the damaged statue.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in southern Lebanon, where thousands of Israeli troops remain deployed despite a US-brokered ceasefire aimed at halting weeks of fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. Both sides have accused each other of violating the truce.
The controversy has drawn international reaction. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called for “swift, severe, and public consequences” in a post on social media.
Several American political figures also condemned the act. Former congressman Matt Gaetz described the image as “horrific,” while former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene criticised US support for Israel while sharing the photo online.
The incident comes at a time when public opinion in the United States appears to be shifting. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that 60% of American adults now hold an unfavourable view of Israel, up from 53% the previous year.
It also follows another recent controversy involving Israeli authorities restricting access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem during Palm Sunday, which drew criticism from Christian leaders and international observers.
A 2025 report by the Rossing Center noted a rise in hostility toward Christian communities in the region, attributing it to increasing political polarization and ultra-nationalist trends.
In response to the backlash, Netanyahu defended Israel’s record on religious freedom, stating that the Christian population in Israel is growing and enjoys protections not seen elsewhere in the Middle East.
The broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated earlier this year following regional tensions involving Iran. Since then, Lebanese authorities say more than a million people have been displaced and over 2,000 killed, while Israel reports casualties from cross-border attacks.
The investigation into the statue vandalism is ongoing, as calls grow for accountability and respect for religious sites.