Video of Israeli Soldier Smashing Jesus Statue in Lebanon Goes Viral, Causes Outrage
- A viral video of an Israeli soldier smashing a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon ignited global outrage
- The Israeli military confirmed the photograph’s authenticity and announced an investigation into the incident
- Politicians, activists and social media users condemned the desecration, linking it to wider attacks on religious sites
A viral video showing an Israeli soldier striking a statue of Jesus Christ with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon has triggered widespread outrage. The image, shared on X, quickly amassed over 5 million views.
On Monday, April 20, the Israeli military confirmed the authenticity of the photograph. It stated that the soldier was “operating in southern Lebanon” during Israel’s ground invasion launched last month alongside aerial bombardments as part of its joint war with the United States on Iran.
Source: Getty Images
The military added that an investigation had been opened and “appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings.”
Political leaders condemn act
According to Al Jazeera, Palestinian members of the Israeli parliament voiced sharp criticism.
Ayman Odeh commented: “We’ll wait to hear the police spokesperson claim that ‘the soldier felt threatened by Jesus’.”
Ahmad Tibi wrote on Facebook that those who destroy mosques and churches in Gaza and spit on Christian clergy in Jerusalem without punishment are not afraid to desecrate a statue of Jesus Christ.
He added, “Perhaps these racists have also learned from Donald Trump to insult Jesus Christ and insult Pope Leo?”
The desecration occurred near the village of Debl in southern Lebanon, close to the Israeli border. Activists, academics and writers condemned the act, highlighting a pattern of attacks on religious sites. Social media users criticised the silence of the international community, with Tibi noting: “When the Western world remains silent, racists go further.”
See the X video below:
Pattern of religious violence
Israeli forces have repeatedly attacked mosques and churches during the war in Gaza. In the occupied West Bank, settlers vandalised or attacked 45 mosques last year, according to the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Separately, the Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC) documented at least 201 incidents of violence against Christians between January 2024 and September 2025. These incidents, primarily committed by Orthodox Jews, included harassment, spitting, verbal abuse, vandalism and assaults. The majority took place in Jerusalem’s Old City, located in occupied East Jerusalem.
The photograph has intensified concerns about religious freedom and the targeting of sacred symbols in the ongoing conflict. The investigation by the Israeli military will be closely watched, but critics argue that systemic impunity has emboldened such acts of desecration.
Source: Getty Images
Netanyahu sends message to Christians, mentions Nigeria
Legit.ng earlier reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again spoke out against what he described as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
In his Easter message, shared on his X account on Sunday, April 5, 2026, he extended greetings to Christians in Israel, the United States, and across the globe, wishing them a joyful celebration.
Netanyahu stated that Christians continue to face persecution in several countries, including Nigeria, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
