According to a report by The Times Of Israel on April 20, 2026, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has condemned an incident in which an IDF soldier damaged a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon, calling the act shameful and issuing an apology.
The incident came to public attention after an image circulated on social media, posted by a Lebanese journalist and later authenticated by the IDF. The image reportedly showed a soldier using a sledgehammer to destroy a statue of Jesus, prompting widespread concern and criticism.
Reacting to the development, Sa’ar wrote on X: “The damaging of a Christian religious symbol by an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon is grave and disgraceful. I commend the IDF for its statement, for condemning the incident, and for conducting an investigation into the matter,” Sa’ar writes on X.
He added that those responsible would face consequences, expressing confidence that disciplinary action would be taken. He further stated: “I’m confident that the necessary strict measures will be taken against whoever carried out this ugly act. This shameful action is completely contrary to our values. Israel is a country that respects the different religions and their sacred symbols, and upholds tolerance and respect among faiths. We apologize for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt,” Sa’ar adds.
The Israeli military confirmed that the matter was being investigated and stressed that such behavior does not reflect its values or operational standards. It also reiterated its commitment to respecting religious sites and symbols in all areas of operation.
The incident has drawn attention in Lebanon and beyond, with calls for calm and respect for religious sensitivities, particularly in conflict-affected border areas where tensions remain high and stability is fragile. Read_More…