Israel Military Replaces Smashed Jesus Statue, Detains Two Soldiers for 30 Days

Overview

• The Israeli military, which on Tuesday said it replaced the damaged statue in Debel, also sentenced two soldiers to 30 days of military detention.
• The inquiry found one soldier smashed the crucifix figure and another filmed it, while six others who did not intervene are under investigation.
• The two were removed from combat duties, and commanders said further action would depend on the ongoing review.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the act and issued public apologies to Christian communities.
• Religious leaders and diplomats voiced outrage, and a local priest said the cross stood in a family’s garden, as the case unfolded during Israeli operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.