An image showing an Israeli soldier in uniform smashing a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon spread widely on social media on Sunday, triggering criticism online and prompting the Israeli military to announce an investigation.

The image showed a soldier from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) damaging the Jesus statue in a village in southern Lebanon. The incident quickly drew condemnation, with many users accusing Israel of disrespecting religious symbols and Christian sites.

The IDF later confirmed that the image was genuine and said that the matter was being taken seriously.

“The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops,” the military said in a statement. 

“The incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is currently being addressed through the chain of command. Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings,” it added.

The military also offered assurances that it would assist the local community in restoring the statue to its original place.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the incidence “grave and disgraceful” in a post on X.

“This shameful action is completely contrary to our values,” Sa’ar wrote, while apologising to Christians who were hurt by the act.

He added that he was confident the IDF would take “necessary strict measures” against the soldier involved.

The incident also led to strong reactions online, where users questioned the credibility of the investigation and linked the act to wider criticism of Israel’s military actions in Lebanon and Gaza.

One user wrote, “This is just another example of Israel’s hatred and disregard for other cultures and faiths. No one trusts your phony investigations, especially when IDF soldiers get away with rape and murder every single day”.

Another said, “This was no accident. An Israeli soldier deliberately smashing the head of a Jesus Christ statue in the Christian village of Dibbiyeh is a shameful act of desecration and bigotry”.

A separate post read, “Destroying a symbol of peace and love reveals deep contempt for what is sacred. This barbarism will not be forgotten”.

Another user questioned the IDF’s statement, writing, “So let me get this straight, damaging a statue is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of your troops, but killing over 2,000 Lebanese civilians, wounding 7000 others and damaging or destroying over 10,000 civilian structures is ok”.

Some users also pointed out that the area had long been home to Hezbollah presence without attacks on Christian symbols.

“Hezbullah has been present in that area for decades, yet that statue was never touched. So don’t call this ‘fighting’—this is pure disrespect,” one post said.


Another user wrote, “Destroying a symbol of Jesus doesn’t target militants. It targets faith and identity. That’s not strength. That’s intolerance”. 

Israel has long been accused of disrespecting and persecuting not just Muslims but also Christians in the country. Many videos have surfaced online where Israeli citizens can be seen spitting on churches and on Christians. In East Jerusalem, the indigenous  Christian population has claimed that Israel is trying to take over the Church’s lands and properties.