According to The Times of Israel, the military said on Wednesday that it viewed the incident “seriously” and vowed to take disciplinary action against the soldier involved.
Israel’s military has opened an investigation after a photo spread online showing a soldier allegedly desecrating a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon.
According to The Times of Israel, the military said on Wednesday that it viewed the incident “seriously” and vowed to take disciplinary action against the soldier involved.
An initial investigation reportedly found that the image was taken several weeks ago in the Christian-majority village of Debel, although it only surfaced online on Wednesday.
The photo appeared to show the soldier placing a cigarette in the mouth of the Virgin Mary statue while smoking another cigarette himself.
The incident is the latest in a string of reports accusing Israeli soldiers of damaging religious sites and destroying or looting property in southern Lebanon.
Last month, another soldier was reportedly photographed vandalising a statue of Jesus in the same village.
Lebanese media also reported that Israeli troops bulldozed solar panels used to power Debel’s water system and destroyed homes, roads, and olive trees in the area.
The reports come as Israeli forces intensify military operations in Lebanon, including strikes on Beirut, claiming they are targeting Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure.
Israeli troops also continue to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, where entire villages have reportedly been demolished.
The widespread destruction has raised fears among Lebanese officials and residents that displaced families may have no homes left to return to after the conflict.
Religious organisations have also reported increasing harassment and violence against Christian pilgrims, clergy members, and Palestinian Christians.
Incidents have included assaults and spitting attacks, often allegedly involving ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students.
One recent case involved a French nun near Jerusalem’s Old City.
Video footage showed a man following her, pushing her to the ground and injuring her head before returning to kick her while she was down, until bystanders stepped in.
Israeli authorities have condemned such incidents when they gain international attention, although some analysts argue that action is usually taken only when such events threaten global support for Israel.
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