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The Israeli military confirmed Monday the authenticity of an image showing one of its soldiers striking the head of a crucified Jesus Christ statue with a sledgehammer in the Christian village of Debl in southern Lebanon.
The army said it viewed the incident "with great severity" and pledged an investigation, as Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called it "grave and disgraceful" and issued a public apology to Christians worldwide.
The Israeli army's International Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani initially said the military was "examining the reliability of the photograph," adding that "if this is indeed a real, recent picture, these actions do not align with the Israeli army's values."
Following completion of an initial examination, the Israeli army issued a formal statement: "It was determined that the photograph depicts an Israeli army soldier operating in southern Lebanon. The Israeli army views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier's conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops."
"The incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is currently being addressed through the chain of command. Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings," the statement noted.
The Israeli army added that it was "working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place" and said it had "no intention of harming civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols."
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar addressed the incident on X, stating, "The damaging of a Christian religious symbol by an Israeli army soldier in southern Lebanon is grave and disgraceful."
"I commend the Israeli army for its statement, for condemning the incident, and for investigating the matter. I'm confident that the necessary strict measures will be taken against whoever carried out this ugly act," he added.
"This shameful action is completely contrary to our values. Israel is a country that respects the different religions and their sacred symbols and upholds tolerance and respect among faiths," he said.
"We apologize for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt," Saar wrote.
The incident occurred in Debl, a Christian village near the Israeli border in southern Lebanon.
Israeli media have reported that Israeli forces are present in approximately 55 towns and villages in southern Lebanon, with a "Yellow Line" south of the Litani River, running from Naqoura in the west through Shaqra, Aita al-Shaab, Bint Jbeil and Adaisseh to Khiam in the northeast, marking areas of active Israeli operations.
Since March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed 2,294 people, wounded 7,544 and displaced more than one million, according to official figures.
A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect at midnight Friday following calls between Trump, Lebanese President Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The Israeli Defense Minister Katz has said Israel intends to maintain control over all territory it has occupied in southern Lebanon.
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