Outrage over Israeli soldier vandalizing Jesus statue in Lebanon18 Minutes agoYolande KnellMiddle East Correspondent, JerusalemReutersAn online image of an Israeli soldiers apparently hitting a Jesus statue with a sledgehammer has prompted widespread criticism. Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar said: “We apologize for this incident and every Christian who was hurt.” Locals claim the statue was placed on a crucifix in front of a home near Debel, which is one of the few villages that has remained inhabited during Israel’s war against Hezbollah. The head of Debel congregation, Father Fadi Flaifel told the BBC, “We reject the desecration and destruction of our sacred symbol of the cross as well as all religious symbols.” It is against the declaration of Human Rights and does not reflect civility. The Israeli military said that it was a genuine image. It also stressed that the soldier’s behavior was “wholly inconsistent” with the values expected from its troops. The US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee – a Baptist minister – said on X, “swift and severe consequences are required”. Right-wing US commentators quickly condemned the photo of the Israeli soldier with the statue of Jesus. Former US congressman and adviser to President Donald Trump, Matt Gaetz, posted the photo and called it “horrific”. Former US congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene shared the photo and said: “‘Our greatest allies’ that take billions of tax dollars and weapons each year.” A recent survey by the Pew Research Center in the US revealed that 60% of US adults have an unfavourable opinion of Israel. This is up from 53% in the previous year. Huckabee said that the incident was “unfortunate and has already had major repercussions all over the world”. Israeli police claimed this was due to safety concerns during the Iran War. He said that the decision to deny entry to the church leaders was “difficult” to understand or justify, as Israeli restrictions allowed religious gatherings up to 50 people. A 2025 report from the Rossing Center in Jerusalem, an organisation aiming to foster better interfaith relations in Holy Land, describes “a recent surge in overt hostility towards Christianity”. This is attributed to “a continuing deepening polarisation and ultranationalist political tendencies”. It stated that “the Christian community in Israel thrives, unlike anywhere else in the Middle East”. Israel is the only Middle East country that allows freedom of religion for everyone. Lebanese officials say that Israel began a military offensive on 2 March, which has resulted in more than a half million Lebanese being displaced, and 2,290 people having been killed. This includes 177 children and over 100 healthcare workers. Thirteen Israeli soldiers and two civilians have been killed by Hezbollah attacks in the same period, Israeli officials say.IsraelLebanonChristianity
