SOUTH LEBANON: An Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldier has smashed a crucifix in a village called Debel here, harboring Christian community.
Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu took to the X to condemn the desecration of the Crucifix: “As the Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths. All religions flourish in our land and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region.
“Yesterday, like the overwhelming majority of Israelis, I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms. Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender.
“While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims, the Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle East. Israel is the only country in the region that the Christian population and standard of living is growing. Israel is the only place in the Middle East that adheres to freedom of worship for all. We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world”.
Gideon Sa’ar, the Foreign Minister of Israel, while reacting to the desecration of Crucifix by Israeli soldier, posted on Monday (20th April, 2026): “The damaging of a Christian religious symbol by an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon is grave and disgraceful. I commend the IDF for its statement, for condemning the incident, and for conducting an investigation into the matter.
“I’m confident that the necessary strict measures will be taken against whoever carried out this ugly act. This shameful action is completely contrary to our values. Israel is a country that respects the different religions and their sacred symbols, and upholds tolerance and respect among faiths. We apologize for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt.”
It is pertinent to mention here that Debel happens to be one of the dozens of villages here presently under the occupation of Israeli military that proclaimed it viewed the incident with great severity and emphasises that the soldier’s conduct was wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops: “The IDF is working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place.”
It may be recalled that the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had mediated (though at Ambassadors level) direct peace talks (first since 1993) between Israel and Lebanon here on Tuesday (14th April, 2026). Commenting on the rendezvous (meant to figure out ways to end the Israel and (Iran backed) Hezbollah fighting, Marco Rubio termed it a historic opportunity to contain the influence of the paramilitary wing of Lebanese Shia Islamist political party.
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