According to a report by Al-Jazeera on Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Israeli military has said it is examining a widely circulated image that appears to show one of its soldiers damaging a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon, amid ongoing tensions in the region.

The photo, which has gained significant traction on social media platforms, shows a soldier reportedly using a jackhammer to strike the head of the religious statue. The authenticity and timing of the image have not yet been independently verified, but its circulation has sparked reactions across different communities.

In a statement, the Israeli army said it is reviewing the image and the circumstances surrounding it. Officials indicated that if the picture is confirmed to be genuine and recent, the actions depicted would not align with the military’s stated principles and code of conduct.

“If this is indeed a real, recent picture, such behaviour would contradict our values,” the army said, noting that an internal assessment is underway.

The image has drawn particular attention due to its potential implications for Israel’s international image, especially among Christian communities. Evangelical Christians, particularly in the United States, have traditionally been among Israel’s most consistent supporters, and the controversy could affect public perception if the claims are substantiated.

Local authorities in the Lebanese village of Debel, where the statue is believed to be located, confirmed to AFP that the monument exists in the area. However, they said they were unable to verify whether the statue had been recently damaged or whether the viral image accurately reflects current conditions on the ground.

The incident comes against the backdrop of ongoing military operations and heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, where exchanges of fire and security incidents have been reported in recent months.

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