August M
Concerns have grown in a southern Lebanese village after reports that a Christian religious statue may have been struck during Israeli military operations.
The incident has drawn attention to the sensitivity of religious sites in a region already strained by conflict and fragile diplomacy.
Arab media identified the statue as being located in the Christian village of Debl, near the Israeli border. Local officials confirmed its presence but said they could not verify whether it had been damaged.
Lebanon’s state news agency, ANI, reported that Israeli forces were still active in the area on Sunday, including demolishing several houses, adding to unease among residents, reports HotNews.
Growing scrutiny
Against this backdrop, an image circulating on social media appeared to show a soldier hitting a statue of Jesus Christ with a sledgehammer. The Israeli military later verified that the image was genuine, AFP reported.
In a statement posted on X, the Israel Defense Forces said: “Following the completion of an initial review of a photograph published earlier today showing an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier damaging a Christian symbol, it has been determined that the image depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon.”
The military described the conduct as a serious violation. “The IDF considers the incident to be of particular gravity and emphasizes that the soldier’s behavior is completely incompatible with the values expected of its soldiers,” it said.
Investigation underway
According to the IDF, the case is being examined by its Northern Command, with senior officers reviewing the findings and expected to decide on disciplinary measures.
The army also said it would support efforts to return the statue to its place, seeking to ease tensions linked to the episode.
In earlier statements, the military stressed that its operations are focused on dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure and do not target civilian or religious sites.
Ceasefire backdrop
The developments come shortly after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced last Friday by US President Donald Trump, following a period of intensified fighting.
Israel had deployed forces into parts of southern Lebanon after Hezbollah launched an attack on March 2 in response to the Israeli-American offensive targeting Iran.
Looking ahead
As the ceasefire holds, the outcome of the military investigation and any follow-up actions may shape trust among local communities and influence how the truce is perceived on the ground.
Sources: AFP
