- Two IDF soldiers are arrested after attack on statue of Jesus with an axe in Lebanon Daily Mail —
- Israeli soldiers caught smashing Jesus statue sentenced to 30 days in prison NY Post —
- 2 Israeli soldiers who smashed Jesus statue get 30 days in jail UPI —
- Israeli soldiers jailed after smashing Jesus statue with sledgehammer Metro —
- Two Israeli soldiers jailed over smashing of Jesus statue in Lebanon village The Guardian —
- Israel jails soldiers for vandalising Jesus statue in Lebanon South China Morning Post —
- Israeli Soldiers Sentenced to Jail for Damaging Jesus Statue in Lebanon The New York Times —
- Israeli soldiers punished over vandalism of Jesus statue in Lebanon BBC News —
- Israel apologises after video shows soldier hitting Jesus statue in Lebanon. #Lebanon #BBCNews 📹 BBC News —
- Israeli military says it has replaced crucifix desecrated by soldier in Lebanon CBC —
Israel Punishes Soldiers for Vandalism
A viral photo showed one soldier using a sledgehammer to smash the face of the crucifix while the other filmed the act.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his sadness over the event, stating that the conduct 'completely deviated' from the values of the IDF. The military has since replaced the desecrated statue as part of an effort to repair relations with the local Christian community.
The incident has drawn widespread international condemnation and highlighted the fragile nature of the current ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.