An Israeli soldier has been sentenced to 21 days of military detention for placing a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in Lebanon, while the soldier who photographed the act received a 14-day sentence, the Israeli army said on Monday. Source: OSV News.
The incident, which occurred several weeks ago in the predominantly Christian village of Debel in southern Lebanon, was treated “with great severity,” spokesperson of the Israeli Defence Forces Lieutenant Colonel Ariella Mazor wrote on X.
The Israeli military “respects freedom of religion and worship, as well as holy sites and religious symbols of all religions and communities,“ the statement read.
Officials said soldiers are routinely instructed on proper conduct around religious sites before entering operational areas.
“Procedures regarding conduct around religious institutions and religious symbols are routinely reinforced to troops prior to entering the relevant areas,” Lieutenant Colonel Mazor said.
The case follows another reported act of desecration in the same village. In April, an Israeli soldier damaged a statue of Jesus on the cross; he and another soldier involved were each sentenced to 30 days of military detention after the statue of Jesus was hit with the blunt side of an axe.
The incidents have raised concern among local Christian communities and Church leaders, who have called for greater respect for religious symbols and sites in conflict zones.
Debel, located near the Israel-Lebanon border, is home to a significant Christian population and has experienced repeated military activity amid Israel-Hezbollah front of the broader Iran war.
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Israeli soldiers punished after desecration of Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon (By Paulina Guzik, OSV News)
