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Crucifix Vandalism Sparks Outrage in Lebanon
An incident involving damage to a Christian crucifix in Debel has drawn widespread condemnation from Israeli officials, the United States and church leaders.
IDF soldier destroys statue of Christ in Lebanon. Photo: open sources
A photograph showing an Israeli soldier damaging a Christian crucifix in a village in southern Lebanon has sparked widespread criticism from Israeli officials, the United States and religious leaders.
The image, which circulated online over the weekend, appears to show a soldier striking a fallen statue of Jesus on the cross with the blunt side of an axe. it was shared by Palestinian journalist Younis Tirawi, who has previously posted material alleging misconduct by Israeli forces.
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The location of the incident was confirmed by Reuters as Debel, a largely Christian community that remained inhabited during Israel’s military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah. The campaign began on March 2 after Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel in support of Iran.
Local priest Fadi Falfel said the damaged crucifix was part of a small shrine located in the garden of a family home at the edge of the village.
He described the act as a desecration of a sacred symbol, saying a soldier had deliberately broken the cross.
The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land condemned the incident, calling it a serious insult to the Christian faith. In a statement that included Jerusalem’s Catholic Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the group said the act reflected a troubling disregard for religious sanctity and human dignity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly denounced the actions, stating they contradict the values of tolerance upheld in Judaism and vowing accountability.
“I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms,” he said.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also reacted, calling for firm and visible consequences.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the act as shameful and issued an apology to Christians affected by the incident.
The Israel Defense Forces said it is investigating the matter and emphasized that the behavior does not reflect the standards expected of its personnel. It also stated that efforts are underway to restore the damaged religious statue.
Debel is one of several villages in southern Lebanon currently under effective Israeli control. A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States, was agreed on Thursday to stop fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
However, residents say the situation remains difficult. Falfel said movement in and out of the village is still restricted, and some areas remain inaccessible.
“We have every kind of crisis,” he said, adding that hopes for relief following the ceasefire have not yet materialized.
Israeli officials said they are working with humanitarian organizations to address the needs of residents in Debel and other affected areas.
Editor’s Note:
The incident in Debel highlights the sensitivity of religious sites during conflict and has intensified scrutiny on the conduct of forces operating in Lebanon amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah.
