Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

IDF Soldier Destroys Jesus Statue; Investigation Underway

4/20/2026

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier was filmed destroying a statue of Jesus in Debel, a Christian village in southern Lebanon.
The IDF confirmed the footage's authenticity.
The IDF described the act as serious and contrary to military values.
The IDF emphasized its commitment to protecting civilian and religious sites while targeting Hezbollah's infrastructure.
The Northern Command is investigating and will assist in restoring the statue.

History

Historical Context

The 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War devastated Lebanon, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) facing criticism for actions that undermined its commitment to protecting cultural heritage. A recent incident in Debel, where an IDF soldier damaged a statue of Jesus, highlights ongoing tensions between military objectives and respect for civilian sites, raising concerns about accountability and the preservation of religious landmarks amidst conflict.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier was filmed destroying a statue of Jesus in Debel, a Christian village in southern Lebanon.
The IDF confirmed the footage's authenticity.
The IDF described the act as serious and contrary to military values.
The IDF emphasized its commitment to protecting civilian and religious sites while targeting Hezbollah's infrastructure.
The Northern Command is investigating and will assist in restoring the statue.

1 / 2