Benjamin Netanyahu has promised tough consequences after an Israeli soldier was filmed vandalising a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon.
The incident came to light after an image spread online showing a soldier using a sledgehammer to strike the head of a crucifix statue.
The Israeli military later confirmed the photo was authentic and said the soldier involved had been identified.
Reacting to the footage, Netanyahu said he was “stunned and saddened” by what he described as an attack on a Catholic religious symbol.
He strongly condemned the act and said a criminal investigation is already underway, with “harsh disciplinary action” expected.
The statue is located in Debl, a Christian village near the Israeli border in southern Lebanon.
Local officials confirmed its location but said they could not immediately verify the extent of the damage due to limited access to the area.
Israel’s military also distanced itself from the act, calling the soldier’s behaviour unacceptable and not reflective of its values.
It added that steps would be taken against those responsible and said efforts were being made to restore the damaged statue.
The backlash extended beyond political leaders.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre key custodian Adeeb Joudeh AlHusseini described the incident as more than just vandalism, calling it a violation of religious dignity and a sign of deeper contradictions between stated respect for faiths and actions on the ground.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, also condemned the act, describing it as “shameful” and offering an apology to Christians who may have been offended.
The incident comes against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Although a ceasefire recently came into effect after weeks of fighting, Israeli troops are still present in parts of southern Lebanon.
