IDF Soldier Jailed for Smashing Jesus Statue in Lebanon, Six Under Review

Israel’s military has removed two soldiers from combat duty and placed them in military detention for 30 days after they destroyed a Jesus statue in southern Lebanon. An investigation was launched after a picture showed an Israeli soldier taking the blunt side of an axe to a fallen sculpture of Jesus on the cross. The image drew widespread condemnation Monday from Israeli politicians, the United States and church leaders. It was posted by a Palestinian reporter who has also posted images of Israeli soldiers' apparent misconduct in Gaza. An IDF investigation found that one soldier damaged a Christian religious symbol while another photographed the act. Six other soldiers were present without taking action or interfering, according to the statement. “The inquiry determined that the soldiers’ conduct completely deviated from IDF orders and values,” the IDF wrote in a statement. “It was decided that the soldier who damaged the Christian symbol and the soldier who photographed the act will be removed from combat duty and will receive 30 days of military detention,” the IDF continued. “The remaining troops who stood by have been summoned for clarification discussions that will be held later on, after which further command-level measures will be determined.” The Israeli military said they were working with the local community to replace the statue. Israel’s chief of staff condemned the desecration of the statue as unacceptable conduct and a moral failure, according to the statement. This type of punishment is relatively rare in the Israeli military, according to rights groups. The soldier was pictured taking an axe to the head of the statue in Debel, Lebanon. In related context, commentators note ongoing scrutiny of conduct and accountability within regional conflicts.

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