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Soldiers Detained, New Virgin Mary Statue Sent by IDF

5/11/2026

33 2 Full Breakdown

Center

IDF Replaces Statue

The Israeli military dispatched a replacement Virgin Mary statue to Debel after the original was defaced.
Two Israeli soldiers were detained for putting a cigarette in Virgin Mary statue’s mouth and photographing it in Debel, Lebanon.
Lt. Colonel Ariella Mazor said IDF treats the case with severity and respects religious sites.
Brigadier General Sagiv Dahan, commander of IDF’s 162nd Division, oversaw the probe and authorized sentences.

Right

IDF Replaces Crucifix

The army’s replacement crucifix in Dibil was later exchanged for a replica contributed by UNIFIL soldiers.
Two soldiers received 21-day and 14-day sentences for smoking a crucifix and filming the act in Dibil, southern Lebanon.
Brigadier General Sagiv Dahan oversaw the probe and approved the punishments.
The IDF said it respects religious freedom and will tighten conduct rules near holy sites.

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IDF Replaces Statue

The Israeli military dispatched a replacement Virgin Mary statue to Debel after the original was defaced.
Two Israeli soldiers were detained for putting a cigarette in Virgin Mary statue’s mouth and photographing it in Debel, Lebanon.
Lt. Colonel Ariella Mazor said IDF treats the case with severity and respects religious sites.
Brigadier General Sagiv Dahan, commander of IDF’s 162nd Division, oversaw the probe and authorized sentences.

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