Beirut, Lebanon – Web Desk: The Israeli military has launched an investigation after a video surfaced online allegedly showing a soldier desecrating a Christian religious statue in southern Lebanon.
According to reports, the incident is said to have taken place in the Christian-majority village of Debel in southern Lebanon. The viral image circulating on social media appears to show an Israeli soldier placing a cigarette in the mouth of a statue associated with the Virgin Mary, while also smoking himself.
Israeli media reports said the footage has triggered widespread criticism online, prompting the military to take the matter “very seriously” and confirm that disciplinary action will be taken if wrongdoing is proven.
This is not the first such allegation. Last month, another Israeli soldier was reportedly seen damaging a statue associated with Jesus Christ in the same village. Lebanese media have also reported broader damage to civilian infrastructure, including homes, roads, olive trees, and solar panels in the area during military activity.
Concerns have been rising in Lebanon over reported violations involving religious sites and symbols. Human rights and religious organizations say there has been an increase in incidents affecting Christian communities, places of worship, and religious figures in recent months.
Previously, Israel also faced international criticism after a separate video allegedly showed an attack on a French nun, leading authorities to announce the arrest of a suspect under global pressure.
