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Israeli Soldiers Smash Crucifix in Lebanon; Detained, UNIFIL Replaces It

4/24/2026

42 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Israeli Soldiers Desecrate

Israeli Defence Forces soldiers smashed a crucifix in the Lebanese village of Debel.
Italian UNIFIL troops installed a new crucifix in Debel.
Two Israeli soldiers received 30 days of military detention and were removed from combat duty.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa condemned the desecration.

Summary

Soldiers Detained

Two soldiers smashed the original statue and now face 30 days of detention.
The vandalism occurred amid an intensified Israel-Lebanon conflict that has killed more than 2,400 people and displaced over a million Lebanese since March 2.
The Italian UNIFIL contingent, commanded by Diodato Abagnara, installed a new crucifix, showing that bodies continue to be uncovered and Israel has lost 15 soldiers despite a cease-fire declared last week.

History

Historical Context

The desecration of a crucifix in Debel, Lebanon, in 2023 reignited tensions reminiscent of the 1982 Lebanon War, which resulted in over 17,000 deaths and widespread displacement. The recent incident, involving Israeli soldiers, drew condemnation from leaders like Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, underscoring ongoing regional strife, with over 2,400 casualties reported since March 2, 2023.

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Israeli Soldiers Desecrate

Israeli Defence Forces soldiers smashed a crucifix in the Lebanese village of Debel.
Italian UNIFIL troops installed a new crucifix in Debel.
Two Israeli soldiers received 30 days of military detention and were removed from combat duty.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa condemned the desecration.

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