Debel, Lebanon, April 22, 2026
The Israeli military said Tuesday it has replaced a crucifix in southern Lebanon after a soldier smashed it over the weekend, an incident that drew widespread condemnation from religious leaders and politicians.
The military posted a photo on social media of the replacement crucifix, which appeared smaller but more ornate than the original statue. Tuesday’s post on X said troops worked with the community in the Lebanese village of Debel to coordinate the replacement, which includes a metallic-sheened Jesus figure and four paintings of saints, one on each arm of the cross.
An Israeli military statement said an investigation into the incident showed that one soldier damaged the Christian religious symbol, while another photographed the act. The two soldiers were removed from combat duty and placed in military detention for 30 days.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “stunned and saddened” by the incident, while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar issued an apology “to every Christian whose feelings were hurt.”
Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece expressed deep concern over the desecration, questioning the motives and purpose of such an action. He emphasized that Jesus Christ didn’t use violence nor lead military actions, but taught love, repentance and forgiveness, and sacrificed himself for the salvation of all humanity.
The Archbishop noted that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s immediate condemnation of the incident was a step in the right direction, while adding that war intensifies violence and anger and too often has innocent victims, particularly children.
Christians are estimated to make up around a third of Lebanon’s population of roughly 5.5 million people. Thousands of Christians were displaced from their homes in the country's south during the war.
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