- the IDF said its findings showed the soldiers’ behaviour violated military rules and core values, expressing regret over the incident
- six other soldiers present at the scene are to face separate disciplinary action for failing to stop the incident or report it
- The military also confirmed that the damaged statue has since been restored in coordination with local residents
Two Israeli soldiers involved in damaging a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon have been handed 30 days of military detention, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the military said the pair, one who struck the statue with a sledgehammer and another who documented the act, would also be withdrawn from combat roles following an internal investigtion.
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In addition, six other soldiers present at the scene are to face separate disciplinary action for failing to stop the incident or report it.
The episode, which occurred in the village of Debel, sparked outrage after images circulated widely online. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was shocked and deeply saddened by what had taken place.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the IDF said its findings showed the soldiers’ behaviour violated military rules and core values, expressing regret over the incident.
The military also confirmed that the damaged statue has since been restored in coordination with local residents.
It emphasised that its operations in Lebanon are directed at Hezbollah and other armed groups, not civilians.
Local community leaders condemned the act, describing it as disrespectful to religious symbols. Father Fadi Flaifel, a cleric in the area, said such actions were unacceptable and contrary to basic human rights, adding that similar incidents had occurred in the past.
International reactions followed, including criticism from US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who called for firm and visible consequences.
The development comes amid ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces remain deployed following a recent ceasefire that temporarily halted weeks of fighting with Hezbollah.
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