IDF says ‘appropriate measures’ shall be taken against soldier who desecrated Jesus statue

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said “appropriate measures” shall be taken against any of its troops involved within the desecration of a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon.

An image posted online earlier this week showed an IDF soldier next to a Jesus statue that appeared to have fallen from a cross. The soldier is pictured striking the statue of Jesus within the face with a sledgehammer.

The IDF has confirmed that the image is real. The incident has provoked concern even amongst staunch supporters of Israel and its operations within the region.

The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who can also be a Baptist minister, said on X, “Swift, severe, & public consequences are needed.” Huckabee expressed his due to the Israeli foreign minister, who apologised for the incident and condemned it.

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has added his voice to the condemnation, saying he was “stunned and saddened”.

“I condemn the act within the strongest terms,” he said. 

The IDF has said that in addition to taking appropriate measures against those involved, it was working with the local people to revive the crucifix.

An area priest, Father Fadi Flaifel told the BBC that this was not the primary time an incident equivalent to this had happened. He said, “We totally reject the desecration of the cross, our sacred symbol, and all religious symbols. It goes against the declaration of human rights, and it doesn’t reflect civility.”

Israel’s current military campaigns are ostensibly aimed toward Muslim extremist states and organisations. Despite this, Christians have also been caught within the conflict. Last month a Catholic priest in Lebanon was killed by an IDF tank while he was attempting to assist parishioners.

Questions have also been asked concerning the treatment of Christian Palestinians by the Israeli authorities. The Christian majority town of Tayeh within the West Bank has been subject to plenty of attacks by Israeli settlers. While Israeli officials have condemned such actions, nobody has been delivered to justice.