Why this picture of an Israeli soldier forced an apology from the IDF

• An Israeli soldier desecrated a crucifix in the southern Lebanese village of Debel, an incident captured in a widely circulated photograph.
• The image shows the soldier using an axe on a fallen sculpture of Jesus on the cross, an act confirmed by a local priest.
• Israel's foreign minister and military condemned the soldier's actions, apologising for the incident and stating it was inconsistent with their values, with an investigation underway.
• The desecration occurred amidst an Israeli military campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, which began on 2 March.
• Despite a recent US-brokered ceasefire, Israeli troops remain deep in southern Lebanon, establishing a buffer zone and restricting residents' movement, with a new deployment line extending 5-10 km into Lebanese territory.

IN FULL

Outrage as IDF soldier pictured smashing statue of Jesus with an axe in south Lebanon