The Israeli military has launched an investigation after a photo surfaced online showing an Israeli soldier placing a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon.
According to reports, the incident took place in the Christian-majority village of Debel several weeks ago, but the image began circulating widely on social media on Wednesday.
According to Israel Defense Forces, the military views the incident seriously and has promised disciplinary action against the soldier involved.
The photo reportedly shows the soldier smoking while placing another cigarette into the mouth of the Virgin Mary statue, triggering criticism online and renewed concerns over attacks on religious symbols in the region.
The latest incident comes after several reports accusing Israeli soldiers of damaging religious sites and civilian property in southern Lebanon.
Last month, another Israeli soldier was photographed damaging a statue of Jesus in the same village. Lebanese media also reported that Israeli troops bulldozed solar panels supplying electricity to Debel’s water system and damaged homes, roads, and olive trees.
Israeli forces have intensified operations in Lebanon, including strikes in Beirut, claiming they are targeting Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure.
At the same time, Israeli troops continue to maintain a presence in parts of southern Lebanon, where reports of village destruction and infrastructure damage have emerged.
Concerns over treatment of Christians
Religious organizations and rights groups have also raised concerns over the treatment of Christians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Reports have documented incidents involving harassment and violence against Christian clergy, pilgrims, and Palestinian Christians, including alleged assaults and acts of disrespect near religious sites.
Last month, video footage showed a French nun being assaulted near Old City of Jerusalem. The video showed a man pushing the nun to the ground and later kicking her before bystanders intervened.
Following public backlash, Israeli police announced the arrest of a 36-year-old suspect.
Previous soldier punishments
After outrage over the destruction of the Jesus statue in Debel, the office of Benjamin Netanyahu publicly condemned the act.
Reports said the two soldiers involved in that incident were removed from combat duty and sentenced to 30 days in jail.
Earlier this year, Netanyahu’s office also apologized after Israeli police blocked Pierbattista Pizzaballa from reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to lead Palm Sunday prayers.
The latest controversy comes amid broader criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Human rights groups and international observers have repeatedly questioned the accountability of Israeli forces, particularly regarding civilian casualties and damage to religious sites.
Among the incidents frequently cited is the 2022 killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot during an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank.
Reports also state that hundreds of mosques and several churches in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during the ongoing conflict, including the historic Great Omari Mosque and Saint Porphyrius Church.
