The Israeli army confirms that one of its soldiers damaged a Christian symbol in southern Lebanon.
April 20, 2026, 05:12April 20, 2026, 05:12
The army announced on X that evening that the incident was being taken extremely seriously. The soldier’s behavior was in no way compatible with the values expected of soldiers.
On Sunday, the army released a photo showing a man in an Israeli army uniform hitting a figure of Jesus Christ that had fallen from a wooden cross with a hammer. The army said that after an initial investigation it was determined that the image showed a soldier in southern Lebanon.
This image has been published.Image: x
The army said appropriate measures would be taken against those involved. In addition, they want to support the community in restoring the crucifix to its location. Around one in three Lebanese is Christian.
“Reinforced security zone” in southern Lebanon
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli army should remain in a “reinforced security zone” in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli army’s statement also said that it was busy destroying the terrorist infrastructure built by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. There is no intention to damage civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols. (sda/dpa)