Israel’s military has removed two soldiers from combat duty and sentenced them to 30 days in detention after a crucifix was damaged in the village of Debel, southern Lebanon.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said one soldier used the blunt side of an axe to strike a fallen statue of Jesus, while another filmed the act. Both have been removed from combat duty and sentenced to 30 days in military detention.
The image of the incident, first shared online by a Palestinian reporter, Younis Tirawi, spread widely and prompted condemnation from Israeli politicians, church leaders and officials in the United States.
Following an internal investigation, the IDF said “the soldiers’ conduct completely deviated from IDF orders and values”. It added that one soldier damaged a religious symbol, while another documented the act.
Six other troops were present at the scene but did not intervene. “The remaining troops who stood by have been summoned for clarification discussions that will be held later, after which further command-level measures will be determined,” the military said.
Israel’s Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, described the incident as unacceptable. The military said the actions amounted to a “moral failure”.
The IDF added that it had reinforced guidance to troops. “Procedures regarding conduct with religious institutions and symbols were reinforced to troops prior to their entry into the relevant areas, and will be reinforced again for all forces in the area following the incident,” it said.
The army also said it was working with local residents to replace the damaged statue. A new crucifix has since been installed in coordination with the community.
Debel is one of the few villages in southern Lebanon where some residents remained during Israel’s recent military campaign against Hezbollah. The offensive began in March after the Iran-backed group fired rockets towards Israel.
The area remains tense despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire aimed at halting cross-border fighting. Israeli forces continue to operate in parts of southern Lebanon, where they say they are targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.
Lebanese lawmakers have warned that incidents involving religious symbols could deepen sectarian tensions. Christian leaders in the region and abroad have also expressed concern.
Rights organisations say disciplinary action of this kind is relatively rare. According to Action on Armed Violence, many cases of alleged misconduct in Gaza and the West Bank have been closed or left unresolved in recent years.
The IDF said it would continue reviewing the conduct of its forces and take action where necessary.
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