HomeAUIsraeli Military Verifies Authenticity of Controversial Soldier Photo with Jesus Statue

Israeli Military Verifies Authenticity of Controversial Soldier Photo with Jesus Statue

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The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has launched an investigation after confirming a photo showing one of its soldiers destroying a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon is real.
The image, initially shared by Palestinian journalist Younis Tirawi on X, showed a soldier using a hammer to topple a statue of Jesus Christ.

Reports have surfaced involving an image of an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldier purportedly taken in southern Lebanon, which has stirred significant attention. While the timeline of when the photo was captured remains ambiguous, it has been alleged that the soldier was indeed part of the IDF contingent operating in the region.

The IDF insists the actions of the soldier are "wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops."
The IDF insists the actions of the soldier are “wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.” (X/@ytirawi)

The IDF has responded by confirming the authenticity of the photograph through various channels and has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. This proactive step underscores the gravity with which the military views the situation.

In an official statement released on the IDF’s X social media account, the military acknowledged the image, noting that it depicts an IDF soldier engaged in activities in southern Lebanon. The soldier was seen in the act of damaging a Christian symbol, an action that the IDF has denounced as a severe breach of conduct.

The IDF emphasized that such behavior is “wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops,” highlighting the importance of upholding standards that reflect the military’s core principles and respect for diverse religious symbols.

Residents stand next to the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in central Beirut. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

This incident comes amid Israel’s ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon, where the IDF has been conducting strikes against Hezbollah, a militant group entrenched in the area. The situation remains tense, as the military continues to navigate complex dynamics in the region.

Attacks on Lebanon increased after the USA and Iran agreed to a ceasefire to temporarily halt their conflict, though Israel claimed Lebanon was not included.

Lebanon’s government claims Israeli strikes have killed more than 2000 people since March 2, and the UN said 303 people alone were killed in a 10-minute bombardment on April 8.

Displaced people cross a destroyed bridge while returning to their villages on the second day of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in Qasmiyeh, near Tyre city, southern Lebanon.
Displaced people cross a destroyed bridge while returning to their villages, after a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel was agreed, in Qasmiyeh, near Tyre city, southern Lebanon. (AP)

After officials from the two countries met last week, it was finally agreed that Lebanon would be included in the ceasefire.

The IDF claims it is operating in southern Lebanon to disrupt the operations of Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran.

“The IDF is operating to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure established by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and has no intention of harming civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols,” it said in the statement.

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