The Israeli military (IDF) confirmed on April 20, 2026, that a photo circulating on social media showing a soldier vandalizing a Christian religious symbol is authentic.
Here are the key facts about the incident:
Details of the incident: The photo shows an Israeli soldier using a hammer to smash the head of a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon. The statue was privately owned by a Maronite family.
Location: The incident took place in the village of Debel, located in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border.
Military response: The IDF said the behavior was “completely incompatible with the values of the military.” The northern command has launched a criminal investigation and the soldier will face strict disciplinary action.
Condemnation from top leaders:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “shocked and saddened” and strongly condemned the act.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the incident “shameful” and officially apologized to all Christians whose feelings were hurt.
Reconstruction work: The military has pledged to help the local community rebuild and return the statue to its place.
The Lithuanian press has covered the incident very briefly, with most of the information hidden behind a paywall:
“An Israeli soldier in Lebanon smashed a statue of Jesus Christ. The Israeli military said on Monday that it had determined that a photo circulating on social media showing a soldier in southern Lebanon hitting a statue of Jesus Christ was authentic and showed one of its soldiers.”
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