By Andrew Kariuki

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed that an image circulating online showing one of its soldiers striking a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon is authentic.

In a statement on Monday, the army said the photograph depicts an Israeli soldier using a sledgehammer to damage the Jesus statue in the village of Debl, located near the Israel-Lebanon border.

The IDF said it views the incident with “great severity,” noting that the soldier’s actions are inconsistent with the standards expected of its personnel.

“The soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops,” the military said, adding that the matter is under investigation by its Northern Command.

The army indicated that disciplinary action would be taken against those involved, though it did not provide further details.

Local officials in Debl confirmed the statue is located in the Christian-majority village but said it remains unclear whether it was significantly damaged.

Israeli authorities also said efforts are underway to restore the statue in coordination with the local community.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the act, describing it as “shameful and disgraceful.”

“I am confident that necessary severe measures will be taken against whoever committed this ugly act,” he said, issuing an apology to Christians affected by the incident.

The development comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, with Israeli forces maintaining a presence in southern Lebanon following recent hostilities involving the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

A ceasefire between the two sides came into effect on Friday, though Israeli troops have remained deployed in parts of the south.