Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday condemned in the “strongest terms” an incident involving an IDF soldier allegedly striking a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon.In a post on X, Netanyahu said, “Yesterday, like the overwhelming majority of Israelis, 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. Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender.”Also read | ‘Offends our religious feelings’: Image of IDF soldier striking Jesus statue in Lebanon sparks outrageHe added, “As the Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths. All religions flourish in our land and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region.” Netanyahu also stated, “While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims, the Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle East. Israel is the only country in the region that the Christian population and standard of living is growing. Israel is the only place in the Middle East that adheres to freedom of worship for all. We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world.”The photograph, widely shared on social media, appears to show a soldier using a hammer or similar tool to strike the head of a crucified Jesus statue that had become dislodged from its cross.Israeli foreign affairs minister Gideon Sa’ar also condemned the incident, calling it “grave and disgraceful.” In a post on X, he said the act was “completely contrary to our values” and stressed that Israel respects all religions and their sacred symbols. He also commended the Israeli military for condemning the act and launching an investigation.
