Lebanon resident recognizes family crucifix smashed by Israeli soldier

A resident of a Christian village in southern Lebanon says he was shocked to see an Israeli soldier smash a crucifix in his garden.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation.

Israel’s military says it replaced the sculpture and apologized, but the family in the meantime accepted a donated crucifix from Italy instead and gave the Israeli-supplied crucifix to a church.

The Italian crucifix was erected during a ceremony Wednesday.

Despite a ceasefire, Naddaf’s family remains barred from returning home, as Israeli forces occupy a buffer zone in southern Lebanon.

Many Lebanese civilians fear prolonged displacement due to Israel's military presence in southern Lebanon.