The Israeli military has launched an investigation into the conduct of a soldier who was photographed smoking and placing a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in occupied southern Lebanon.
The incident reportedly took place in the Christian village of Debel, where a separate controversy emerged last month after another Israeli soldier was photographed striking a crucifix statue with a sledgehammer.
In a statement, the Israeli military said it views the latest incident with “the utmost severity,” stressing that the soldier’s actions “completely deviate from the values expected of military personnel.”
Father Fadi Felfeli, head of the congregation in Debel, condemned the act, saying the incident deeply angered residents, particularly following the earlier controversy involving the crucifix.
“Such actions reveal that there are individuals within the Israeli army who lack ethics and values and display clear intolerance,” he told the BBC. “This reflects a troubling level of fanaticism.”
Father Felfeli confirmed that the Virgin Mary statue had not been damaged but described the behavior as “unethical” and inconsistent with the values of coexistence upheld by the village.
“These acts reflect extremism and intolerance that should not exist, especially toward a community that values peace and neutrality and is not involved in the conflict,” he added.
The incident also drew condemnation from the Roman Catholic Church’s representative in the Holy Land, which described the act as “disrespectful and outrageous behavior.”
In remarks to Israel’s Haaretz newspaper, the Custodia Terrae Sanctae called on the Israeli government and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to take decisive action and ensure that similar incidents are not repeated.
“We urge the Israeli authorities to send a clear message that such conduct is unacceptable and that the matter will be treated with the utmost seriousness,” the organization said.
Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stated that the photograph was taken several weeks ago and confirmed that disciplinary measures would be considered based on the outcome of the investigation.
“The IDF respects freedom of religion and worship, as well as holy sites and religious symbols of all faiths and communities,” he said.
The previous incident involving damage to a statue of Jesus resulted in 30-day prison sentences for the soldier who carried out the act and another soldier who documented it, following widespread international criticism.
The Israeli military said the photograph was taken several weeks ago in Lebanon
The controversy comes amid ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon, where thousands of Israeli troops remain deployed despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States between Israel and Lebanon on April 16.
Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have continued despite the truce, with both sides accusing each other of repeated violations. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have persisted, while Hezbollah has continued launching rockets, drones, and mortar attacks toward Israeli positions and northern Israel.
On Wednesday night, an Israeli airstrike targeted Beirut’s southern suburb for the first time since the ceasefire took effect. The Israeli military said the strike killed Ahmed Ali Balout, a commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, though Hezbollah has not officially confirmed the claim.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, at least 2,715 people have been killed in Lebanon since the conflict began on March 2. Israeli authorities say 17 soldiers and one civilian have been killed in southern Lebanon, in addition to two civilians in northern Israel.
Source: BBC
