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Israeli soldiers punished over vandalism of Jesus statue in Lebanon

Two soldiers will be removed from combat duty and receive 30 days of military detention, Israel's military says.

Published April 21, 2026, 3:03 PM
Updated May 12, 2026, 10:05 PM1.5K
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Israeli soldiers punished over vandalism of Jesus statue in Lebanon

Jaroslav Lukiv

Reuters An Israeli soldier uses an implement to hit the face of an upturned statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon. Photo: April 2026Reuters

The Israeli soldier who hit a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in Lebanon and the soldier who photographed the incident will receive 30 days of military detention, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said.

In a statement, the IDF also said the two soldiers - who have not been named - would be "removed from combat duty".

Another six soldiers who were at the scene and failed to intervene will be dealt with separately.

The incident in the village of Debel in southern Lebanon prompted widespread condemnation after an image of it was widely shared online. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was "stunned and saddened" by what happened.

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