The Israeli military said it is investigating a soldier who was photographed in southern Lebanon striking the head of a fallen statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer. The incident occurred in the Christian village of Debl near the Israeli border. The military confirmed the photograph was authentic and that the statue was damaged, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act, expressing regret and promising harsh disciplinary action.

Military officials described the soldier’s behavior as inconsistent with the values expected of troops and said efforts were underway to help restore the statue. The soldier has been identified and an investigation by the army’s Northern Command is ongoing. The mayor of Debl called for a broader inquiry into damage to homes and religious statues in the area, where residents had fled during Israel’s offensive.

The episode sparked outrage among Christians in both Lebanon and Israel, with church representatives calling the act heartbreaking and urging meaningful punishment. The incident comes amid reports of rising hostility toward Christians in Israel, including documented cases of harassment and attacks on churches and clergy. Advocacy groups say growing nationalism and ignorance about Christianity have contributed to an atmosphere in which many Christians feel increasingly marginalized.