An unverified image allegedly showing an IDF soldier in uniform smashing a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon spread rapidly online on Sunday afternoon, drawing condemnations across social media.
As of Sunday evening, several hours after the image began circulating, there had been no official Israeli or Lebanese confirmation, although the IDF said it would thoroughly examine the incident.
According to reports attributed to members of the Christian community in the village of Ain Ebel in the central sector of southern Lebanon, the alleged incident took place in Debel, a Maronite Christian village about six kilometers to the northwest and roughly five kilometers northeast of the Israeli border community of Shtula.
IDF responds, says will investigate
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit emphasized that the picture did not align with the military's values or the conduct expected of IDF soldiers.
"The incident will be investigated thoroughly and in depth, and, if necessary, steps will be taken in accordance with the findings," the IDF added.
The military did not confirm or deny wether the event had or had not happened.
Christian Forum coordinator: 'Impossible to remain silent'
Wadie Abunassar, coordinator of the Christian Forum in the Holy Land, said he had received the image from several sources and urged that the matter not be ignored.
“It is impossible to remain silent in the face of such violations,” he said, calling for efforts to verify the incident and for complaints to be filed in order to bring the perpetrator to justice, if it is ultimately confirmed that the act took place.