Israeli soldier pictured smashing up a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer | News World

An Israeli soldier was photographed hitting the head of Jesus Christ in a crucifix with a sledgehammer, sparking outrage and condemnation.

The photo, taken in southern Lebanon, where Israel is continuing their campaign to establish a ‘buffer region’ outside of its own territory, prompted outcry from prominent politicians.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the photo was real, writing on X: ‘I condemn the act in the strongest terms. We express regret for the incident, and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world.’

The Israeli Defence Forces said in a 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 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.’

The apology has fallen on deaf ears, however, with many pointing out that in the past, the IDF has fired on other religious sites.

In 2024, an airstrike killed eight people who were sheltering inside the St George Melkite Catholic Church in Derdghaya, Lebanon.

The strike was rebuked by Pope Francis, who called for a ceasefire in Lebanon. The IDF said the strike was targeting militants who were operating nearby.

Last summer, Gaza’s only Catholic church – a refuge for many Christians during Israel’s war on Palestinians – was bombed. Two people were killed and several, including the parish priest, were injured.

Father Gabriel Romanelli was very close to the late Pope Francis, and the two spoke every night since the beginning of Israel’s massacre in Gaza.

Fadel Naem, the acting director of Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, said both Christians and Muslims had been sheltering inside at the time of the attack.

They included several young children with disabilities, one of whom was injured.

Why are Israel and Lebanon fighting?

Hezbollah fired missiles across the border days after the US and Israel attacked Iran, resparking a lengthy regional conflict.

Israel responded with widespread bombardment of Lebanon and a ground invasion, and claims to have killed hundreds of Hezbollah fighters.

Israel has killed more than 1,530 people in Lebanon, including more than 100 women and 130 children, in the attacks. More than one million people have been displaced in Lebanon.

Days ago, Trump boasted that he was close to ending his tenth war after Israel and Lebanon agreed on a 10-day ceasefire.

He said he wanted a ‘lasting peace’ between the nations, adding: ‘It has been my Honor to solve 9 Wars across the World, and this will be my 10th, so let’s, GET IT DONE! President DONALD J. TRUMP’.

Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn, he said Hezbollah would be included in the ceasefire agreement.

Trump expected Aoun and Netanyahu to meet in the next week or two, before saying the White House meeting between the Mideast leaders could happen in the next four or five days.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Even Mar-a-Lago’s own priest backs the Pope over Trump

MORE: No hazardous materials found near Israeli embassy after drone attack threat

MORE: Trump says ‘let’s get it done’ after Israel and Lebanon agree 10-day ceasefire