Israel’s military has opened an investigation after a photograph circulated online appearing to show one of its soldiers striking a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that an initial examination found the image depicts a soldier operating in the south of the country, where Israeli troops remain deployed despite a recent ceasefire. In a statement, the military said it viewed the incident “with great severity”, adding that the conduct shown was “wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops”. The case is now being investigated by the Northern Command, with officials saying action would be taken depending on the findings.
