[Photo Credit to Pixabay]

An Israeli soldier stationed in Debal, a Christian village in Lebanon, was photographed by another soldier destroying the statue of Jesus with a hammer on April 19, 2026. The incident resulted in both soldiers receiving 30 days of military detention, according to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).  

The IDF also said the two soldiers, who have not been named, would be “removed from combat duty” following an inquiry.

Another six soldiers who were present and failed to intervene or report the incident will face separate disciplinary action.

The event in the village in Debal in southern Lebanon prompted widespread condemnation after an image of it was largely shared online this week.

Israel's Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed that he was “stunned and saddened” by what happened that day.

The IDF said an inquiry into the event had “determined that the soldiers’ conduct completely deviated from IDF orders and values” and expressed “deep regret over the event.”

They also said IDF troops had replaced the damaged statue “in full organization with the local community” a short while ago.

It was stated that its operations in Lebanon were directed “solely” against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah” and other terrorist groups, and not against Lebanese civilians”

Locals stated the statue was on a crucifix outside a family home on the edge of Debal, one of the few villages where residents have remained during Israel’s war with Hezbollah.

One of the villagers reacted to the event stating, “We totally reject the desecration of the cross, our sacred symbol, and all religious symbols.

“It goes against the declaration of  human rights, and it doesn’t reflect civility,” he added.

He further claimed that similar incidents had happened before.

Among those to condemn the event was the US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who called for “swift, serve, and public consequences” following the “outrageous act.”

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, expressed  regret for the event “ and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world.

Thousands of Israeli troops continue to occupy a wide area of southern Lebanon after a US- brokered ceasefire came into force between Israel and Lebanon.

The ceasefire has paused six weeks of intense fighting between the IDF and the Shia Muslim (the second largest branch on Islam) armed group Hezbollah, although both sides have accused each other of violations.

Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel in support of Iran two days after Israel and the US launched a military offensive on Tehran on 28  February.

Israel began a military movement in Lebanon on 2 March, displacing more than a million people and killing over 2,290, including 177 children and 100 healthcare workers, Lebanese authorities report.

Israeli officials state that 13 Israeli soldiers and two civilians have been killed by Hezbollah attacks in the same period. 

A Sky News (British news company) reporter said, “The Israeli military, not to mention the country’s government, knew that justice had to be swift and visible.”