Trending Now - Israeli Soldiers Sentenced for Vandalizing Jesus Statue in Lebanon

WHO:

CNN - Two Israeli soldiers involved in the vandalism.

CNN - Maroun Nassif, deputy head of the municipality of Debel.

CNN - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

CNN - Wadih El Khazen, former tourism minister in Lebanon and Maronite Christian leader.

CNN - Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

WHAT:

CNN - Two soldiers will be removed from combat duty and sentenced to 30 days of military detention.

CNN - Six additional soldiers who witnessed the incident will be summoned for clarification discussions.

CNN - The IDF opened an investigation into the soldiers' actions, calling them “wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.”

CNN - A photo emerged showing an Israeli soldier damaging a statue of Jesus Christ.

WHERE:

CNN - The incident occurred in Debel, a predominantly Christian town in southern Lebanon.

CNN - Debel is located approximately four miles west of Bint Jbeil, a town surrounded by the IDF.

WHEN:

CNN - The incident occurred on Sunday, April 16th, 2026.

CNN - The IDF announced the soldiers' punishment on Tuesday, April 18th, 2026.

CNN - Netanyahu condemned the act on Monday, April 17th, 2026.

WHY:

CNN - The IDF expressed deep regret over the incident and is working to ensure it does not happen again.

CNN - Wadih El Khazen called for international action to ensure accountability for the vandalism.

HOW:

CNN - The IDF stated they worked “in full coordination” with the community of Debel to replace the damaged statue.

(UPDATED April 21, 2026 17:22 UTC)

Two Israeli soldiers involved in vandalizing a statue of Jesus Christ in Debel, a predominantly Christian town in southern Lebanon, will be removed from combat duty and sentenced to 30 days of military detention, while six additional soldiers who witnessed the incident will be summoned for clarification discussions. Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the act and the Israel Defense Forces have opened an investigation, stating that the soldiers' actions were “wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.” The IDF has expressed deep regret over the incident and is coordinating with the community to replace the damaged statue, as calls for international accountability continue from local leaders like Wadih El Khazen.