Israeli Soldiers Face Consequences for Vandalizing Religious Statue in Lebanon

Tue Apr 21 2026 17:16:56 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Two Israeli soldiers have been sentenced to military detention after vandalizing a statue of Jesus Christ in Lebanon, provoking outrage and calls for accountability.

The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that a soldier who vandalized a statue of Jesus Christ in Southern Lebanon and another who recorded the act would face 30 days of military detention. This incident, which drew widespread condemnation, also prompted reactions from Israel's Prime Minister who expressed shock and sadness over the event. Additional soldiers present during the incident will be subject to separate disciplinary measures.

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.