Tipsheet
Premium

Israeli Officials Respond As Photo of IDF Soldier Destroying a Statue of Jesus Circulates on Social Media

Dmitri Bolt
Dmitri Bolt  |  April 20, 2026 5:30 PM

Israeli officials have responded to photos circulating on social media showing an Israeli soldier allegedly smashing a statue of Jesus with a hammer in southern Lebanon, as Israel continues its operations against Hezbollah amid a ceasefire with Iran. Officials said they are launching an investigation into the incident and escalating the matter up the chain of command for appropriate disciplinary action. 

The image has sparked outrage online, with some commentators using it to further criticize Israel. Among certain right-leaning pundits, stories like this have also fueled broader claims about a growing divide between Christians and Jews, with some attempting to frame the incident as part of a wider religious rift, an argument that has gained some traction as polling suggests younger voters are increasingly sympathetic toward Palestine compared to Israel.

Israeli officials were quick to say that the incident does not represent the conduct or values of the Israel Defense Forces, and emphasized that it is being investigated and addressed through the proper military channels.

"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 wrote in a statement.

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," they added. "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."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also responded to the incident.

"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," he wrote in a statement. "

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," he said. "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," the prime minister added." 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."