The Israeli military launched an investigation after a photograph circulated on social media showing an IDF soldier smashing the head of a statue of Jesus. The soldier appeared to hit the statue with a mallet in southern Lebanon.

IDF International Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani initially said the military was examining the photograph's authenticity.

"If this is indeed a real, recent picture, these actions do not align with the IDF's values and the behaviour expected of IDF soldiers," Shoshani wrote on X.

Following an initial examination, the IDF confirmed that the photograph was genuine.

"It was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon," the military said in an official statement. "The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasises that the soldier's conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops." The Northern Command has been tasked with the investigation, with the IDF adding that it would work with the local community to restore the statue.

The incident drew sharp responses from American political figures. Former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X: "Our greatest ally, that takes billions of our tax dollars and weapons every year."

Ana Kasparian of The Young Turks wrote on social media: "Israel's hatred and disregard for other cultures and faiths," expressing scepticism toward the investigation.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the incident in a press statement. "The damaging of a Christian religious symbol by an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon is grave and disgraceful," Sa'ar wrote.

"I commend the IDF for its statement, 
for condemning the incident, and for conducting an investigation into the matter. I’m confident that the necessary strict measures will be taken against whoever carried out this ugly act."

"We apologise for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt."