Israel Punishes Soldiers Who Desecrated Jesus Statue
The Israeli army has punished two soldiers who destroyed a Christian symbol in southern Lebanon. A photograph showing a soldier striking a statue of Jesus on a cross drew strong criticism at home and abroad, including from the United States and church leaders.
The incident took place in the village of Debel, one of the areas under Israeli control during the conflict with Hezbollah.
According to the investigation, one soldier damaged the cross and another filmed the act, while other soldiers present did not intervene. Both involved soldiers were withdrawn from combat duty and sentenced to 30 days of military detention.
Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir described their behavior as a moral failure. The army said it was also working with the local community to restore the damaged statue.
According to human rights organizations, the punishment is unusual, as most similar cases have not been dealt with appropriately in the past.