Israel's army punished soldiers for vandalizing a crucifix of Christ in Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) disciplined soldiers involved in the desecration of a Christian shrine in southern Lebanon. The incident, which provoked a diplomatic scandal and widespread public outcry, led to the arrest of the direct perpetrator and the suspension of a group of soldiers from combat missions.

According to news.walla, on April 21, 2026, the IDF command announced the sentencing of a soldier who destroyed a statue of Jesus Christ in the Lebanese village of Debel. The soldier was sentenced to 30 days in the brig and suspended from combat. A second soldier who videotaped the incident received a similar punishment. Six other soldiers who were present during the vandalism were summoned for disciplinary interviews for further decisions.

The investigation found that the soldiers’ actions flagrantly violated army orders and were not in line with the fundamental values of the Israeli army. The head of the General Staff described what happened as “reprehensible behavior that goes beyond what is acceptable.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed his outrage, saying he was “shocked and saddened” by the incident.

The army press office expressed official regret over the incident and emphasized that the military action was not directed against civilians or religious sites. The Northern District Command is currently assisting the people of Debelle village in replacing the destroyed statue. Instructions on the correct handling of religious symbols and shrines were reiterated to all personnel and the officer corps.