Israeli soldier jailed 30 days for desecrating crucifix in Lebanon

The incident drew international condemnation as a photo of the soldier taking a sledgehammer to the statue of Jesus circulated online.

By Ehud Amiton, TPS

An Israeli soldier has been sentenced to 30 days in prison for desecrating a crucifix in southern Lebanon in an act that drew widespread criticism, the Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday.

“The soldiers’ conduct completely violated the army’s orders and IDF values,” the military said, adding that it “expresses deep regret over the incident.”

The episode occurred near the Christian village of Debel, where Israeli forces were operating. According to the findings, the soldier vandalized the symbol while another soldier photographed the act. Six additional soldiers were present but “did not act to stop him or report him,” the IDF said.

The soldier who carried out the act, along with the one who documented it, was removed from combat duty and also sentenced to 30 days in prison. The other soldiers involved have been summoned for further review, with decisions on additional disciplinary measures to be made later.

The incident drew international condemnation as a photo of the soldier taking a sledgehammer to the statue of Jesus circulated online.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir condemned the incident, calling it “improper behavior and a failure of values,” and said it “exceeds by every measure the values of the IDF and the expected behavior of its fighters.”

The IDF emphasized that its operations in Lebanon are directed against Hezbollah and “not against Lebanese citizens.” It also said it is working with the local community to replace the damaged crucifix.