The Israel Defense Forces have confirmed that footage of a soldier smashing a statue of Jesus during ground operations in Lebanon is authentic.
Footage circulating on the X platform showed a soldier taking a hammer to the head of a statue of Jesus Christ being crucified.
The IDF is currently examining the reliability of the photograph.
If this is indeed a real, recent picture, these actions do not align with the IDF’s values and the behavior expected of IDF soldiers.The incident will be investigated thoroughly and in depth, and if… pic.twitter.com/xMTtEMp4dS
— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) April 19, 2026
In a post on the X platform, the IDF said that they were investigating the incident and would take “appropriate measures” against those involved.
Following the completion of an initial examination regarding a photograph published earlier today of an IDF soldier harming a Christian symbol, it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon.
The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.
The incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is currently being addressed through the chain of command. Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings.
Furthermore, the IDF is working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place.
The IDF is operating to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure established by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and has no intention of harming civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols.
Following the completion of an initial examination regarding a photograph published earlier today of an IDF soldier harming a Christian symbol, it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon.
The IDF views the incident with great… https://t.co/U6P3x8KWBb
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 19, 2026
Attacks on Christian symbols are particularly contentious because of America’s long-standing financial and military aid to Israel.
During Easter weekend, there was a dispute between Catholic officials in Jerusalem after police prevented entry to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher over fears of Iranian attacks.
However, the incident was later “addressed and resolved” after meetings between officials from the Christian denominations in Jerusalem, law enforcement, and political leaders.
Netanyahu says he is granting the Latin Patriarch “immediate access” to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre after he was turned away due to risk of Iranian missile strikes.
“I have instructed the relevant authorities that Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch, be… pic.twitter.com/okmFOd1PkZ
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) March 30, 2026
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