An Israeli soldier has been sentenced to 30 days of military detention after being photographed destroying a statue of Jesus in the Christian village of Debel in southern Lebanon, the IDF confirmed on April 21.

The incident came to light after a photograph circulated on social media showing the soldier striking the statue's head with a mallet. A second soldier who photographed the act will also receive 30 days of detention and be removed from combat duty alongside the perpetrator.

Six additional soldiers who were present at the scene and failed to intervene or report the incident have been summoned for clarification discussions, with further measures to be determined thereafter.

The IDF's 162nd Division, commanded by Brigadier General Sagiv Dahan, conducted the inquiry. "The inquiry determined that the soldiers' conduct completely deviated from IDF orders and values," the IDF said in a press statement.

The IDF Chief of the General Staff condemned the incident, describing it as "unacceptable conduct and a moral failure, far exceeding any acceptable standard."

The IDF added that procedures regarding conduct with religious institutions and symbols had been reinforced to troops prior to their entry into the area and would be reinforced again across all forces following the incident. The military added that it had been working to assist the local community in replacing the statue since the report was first received.

The IDF reiterated that its operations in Lebanon are directed solely against Hezbollah and other armed groups, and not against Lebanese civilians.

The incident nonetheless drew swift international condemnation, adding to scrutiny of IDF conduct in Lebanon at a time when Israel faces sustained pressure over its military operations across multiple fronts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on X: "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.

"We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world."