A viral image of an Israeli soldier desecrating a Christian statue in southern Lebanon has caused widespread outrage amid growing concern over Israeli attacks against Christians.
The soldier is seen placing a cigarette near the mouth of the Virgin Mary statue, reportedly located in the predominantly Christian town of Debel.
According to Israeli reporting, the army said that the soldier’s behaviour “completely deviates from the values expected of its fighters”, adding that the photo was taken a few weeks back.
The incident is the latest in a string of acts involving Israeli targeting of Christian communities.
In early April, a soldier was seen smashing a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon. Elsewhere in occupied East Jerusalem, a 48-year-old nun was assaulted in front of the Cenacle, a site on Mount Zion regarded as holy by both Christians and Jews.
