Netanyahu Meets Christian IDF Soldiers After Lebanon Statue Incident

Mintesinot Niggusie

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Sunday with Christian soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces, days after an incident in southern Lebanon involving damage to a religious statue prompted criticism and a military disciplinary response. The meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office followed the circulation of footage from April 19 showing an IDF soldier striking a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in the Christian village of Deir Siriane during operations in southern Lebanon. The video triggered international condemnation from Christian communities.

The Israeli military confirmed the authenticity of the footage and said the soldier was removed from combat duty and sentenced to 30 days in military detention. It also said the statue had been replaced. The IDF said the incident occurred during operations targeting militant infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Officials noted that the village had not been evacuated during military activity, adding sensitivity to the case.

Netanyahu used Sunday’s meeting to highlight the role of Christian soldiers in the Israeli military and to stress Israel’s ties with Christian communities in the region. “These are Christian soldiers, men and women, in the Israel Defense Forces,” he said. “They fill all the important roles in our military.” He added that Israel’s role is often misunderstood internationally, saying: “Not only does Israel fight for the rights of Christians throughout the Middle East, it has Christian soldiers fighting to defend Israel and our Christian brothers throughout the region and beyond.” The military previously described the soldier’s actions as a serious breach of conduct and confirmed disciplinary measures had been taken.