The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on 19/4 the completion of a preliminary review regarding an image that surfaced the day before. The photo, captured in the predominantly Christian village of Debel, depicts an Israeli soldier using a hammer to smash a statue of Jesus, appearing upside down and detached from its crucifix. "We have determined the photo depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon," the IDF stated. "The IDF views this as a serious incident, emphasizing that the individual's behavior is inconsistent with expected values." The IDF's Northern Command is investigating the incident, and appropriate measures will be taken against those involved. The Israeli military also assists the local community in restoring the statue.

Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon on 15/4. Photo: AP

"We condemn this shameful act, which has offended religious sentiments and attacked our sacred beliefs," stated Maroun Nassif, deputy head of Debel village.

Debel is one of 55 villages and towns in southern Lebanon under Israeli military control. The community lies over 6 km west of Bint Jbeil, a town the IDF has labeled a "Hezbollah stronghold" and is currently blockading.

Location of southern Lebanon. Graphic: RANE

Hostilities in Lebanon reignited in early March, after the Hezbollah armed group launched rockets into Israeli territory. This was in retaliation for the assassination of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, which occurred on the first day of the Middle East conflict. Israel responded with strikes across Lebanon and deployed troops into its southern neighbor. Israeli soldiers remain stationed in the area, despite a ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Beirut effective from 17/4. On 19/4, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the military to "act with full force, in the air and on the ground, even during the ceasefire, to protect soldiers in Lebanon from all threats."

Pham Giang (According to CNN, AFP)