The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed on Monday that a photograph circulating on social media depicting an Israeli soldier damaging a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon is authentic, calling the soldier's conduct "wholly inconsistent" with the values expected of its troops.
The image, which spread rapidly online, shows what appears to be an Israeli soldier smashing the head of a Jesus Christ statue during military operations in southern Lebanon. The photograph was originally shared with the caption: "An Israeli soldier smashing the head of a Jesus Christ statue during operations in southern Lebanon."
Following an initial examination of the image, the IDF released a statement acknowledging its authenticity. "Following the completion of an initial examination regarding a photograph published earlier today of an IDF soldier harming a Christian symbol, it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon," the statement read.
The army was quick to distance itself from the soldier's actions. "The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier's conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops," it said, adding that the matter has been referred to the Northern Command and is "currently being addressed through the chain of command."
The IDF also pledged to restore the damaged religious symbol, stating it is "working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place."
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The incident comes as Israeli forces conduct ongoing operations in southern Lebanon aimed at, what they called, dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure. The IDF reiterated it has "no intention of harming civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols".
However, it was not immediately clear what disciplinary action the soldier involved would face.
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