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After a viral photo showed an Israeli soldier severely damaging a Christian icon in Lebanon, Israel Defense Forces immediately investigated the incident, and finding the story factual, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the action in harsh terms, while reminding others that Israel always welcomes Christians and makes a home for them.<\/p>\n
The Israel Defense Forces issued this statement:<\/p>\n
\nFollowing 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 views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier\u2019s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.<\/em><\/p>\n
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. 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.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nFollowing 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.<\/p>\n
The IDF views the incident with great\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/U6P3x8KWBb<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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Netanyahu declared:<\/p>\n
\nAs 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. 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. <\/em><\/p>\n
While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims, the Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle East. 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.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nAs 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.<\/p>\n
Yesterday, like the\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Benjamin Netanyahu \u2013 \u05d1\u05e0\u05d9\u05de\u05d9\u05df \u05e0\u05ea\u05e0\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5 (@netanyahu) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa\u2019ar added:<\/p>\n
\nThe damaging of a Christian religious symbol by an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon is grave and disgraceful. I commend the IDF for its statement, for condemning the incident, and for conducting an investigation into the matter. I\u2019m confident that the necessary strict measures will be taken against whoever carried out this ugly act. This shameful action is completely contrary to our values. Israel is a country that respects the different religions and their sacred symbols, and upholds tolerance and respect among faiths. We apologize for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nThe damaging of a Christian religious symbol by an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon is grave and disgraceful.<\/p>\n
I commend the IDF for its statement,
for condemning the incident, and for conducting an investigation into the matter. I\u2019m confident that the necessary strict measures\u2026<\/p>\n\u2014 Gideon Sa’ar | \u05d2\u05d3\u05e2\u05d5\u05df \u05e1\u05e2\u05e8 (@gidonsaar) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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Unlike the Arab countries that surround it, in Israel, the Christian population is growing<\/a>. In March 2025, Joseph Puder, the founder and director of the Interfaith Taskforce for America and Israel, noted<\/a>, \u201cIn 1950, two years after Israel\u2019s independence, there were 36,000 Christians in Israel. Today, there are 187,900 Christians in Israel, making it, as of 2021, the only country in the Middle East with a growing Christian population.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added:<\/p>\n
\nWhile the number of Christians in the Jewish state grows, a different story is occurring in areas controlled by the Palestinian Arabs, including Gaza. The Greek Orthodox Church recently said that \u201cTerrorist attacks against Christians, assaults on churches, cemeteries, and Christian properties in the Palestinian Authority \u2026 have become daily occurrences, and their severity clearly intensifies during Christian holidays.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n