OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday condemned an Israeli soldier’s destruction of a Catholic religious statue in southern Lebanon, calling the act “stunning and saddening” and pledging a criminal investigation and “harsh disciplinary action.”
In a statement posted on X, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to religious tolerance and the flourishing of Christian communities within its borders — yet notably avoided mentioning Jesus by name throughout his remarks.
As the Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths. All religions flourish in our land and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region.
Yesterday, like the…
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 20, 2026
The incident, captured in widely circulated images, shows an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldier striking and toppling a statue of Jesus Christ in a Lebanese village.
The footage sparked global outcry, particularly among Christian communities and religious leaders. Netanyahu’s response, while expressing regret and affirming Israel’s pluralistic values, drew criticism for its omission of any direct reference to Jesus — a conspicuous absence noted by observers and commentators.
“While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims, the Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle East,” Netanyahu wrote, framing Israel as a regional exception in religious freedom. “We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world.”
The IDF has launched a formal probe, and the soldier involved is expected to face disciplinary proceedings. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in southern Lebanon and renewed scrutiny of IDF conduct in occupied or contested territories.
Global outcry as images show Israeli soldier smashing Jesus statue in Lebanon
