Israel’s military has reportedly reinstated a crucifix in southern Lebanon following an incident where a soldier destroyed the original statue over the weekend. The Israeli military shared an image on social media showcasing the new crucifix, which appeared to be smaller but more intricately designed compared to the previous one that was vandalized in southern Lebanon.
In a recent update, troops collaborated with the community in the Lebanese village of Debel to organize the replacement, which features a shiny metallic Jesus figure and four saint paintings placed on each arm of the cross. An Israeli military statement revealed that an investigation into the event revealed one soldier responsible for damaging the religious symbol, while another soldier captured the act. As a result, two soldiers were relieved of combat duties and subjected to a 30-day military detention period.
The statement also mentioned that six other soldiers were present during the incident but did not intervene. A photograph depicting an Israeli soldier using an axe on a fallen Jesus sculpture sparked widespread criticism from Israeli politicians, U.S. officials, and church leaders. The image was shared by Younis Tirawi, a Palestinian journalist known for exposing alleged misconduct by Israeli soldiers in Gaza.
Reuters confirmed that the photo was taken in Debel, a village in southern Lebanon where some residents stayed during Israel’s military operation against Hezbollah that began on March 2. Lebanon’s population, estimated at 5.5 million, includes a significant Christian community, comprising around a third of the total populace. Many Christians were displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon during the conflict.