Resurrected: Israel raises brand-new statue of Jesus as IDF soldiers learn fate for bashing previous one with sledgehammer

In the wake of international outrage over an Israeli soldier smashing the head of a Jesus statue in Lebanon with a sledgehammer, the Israel Defense Forces have replaced the image with a new one, while two IDF soldiers have been sentenced to 30 days in military detention.

The IDF announced on Tuesday: “A short while ago, in full coordination with the local community of Debel in southern Lebanon, the damaged statue was replaced by IDF troops.

The Northern Command worked to coordinate the replacement of the statue from the moment it received the report of the incident.

“The IDF expresses deep regret over the incident, and is working to ensure that it does not happen again in the future.” A short while ago, in full coordination with the local community of Debel in southern Lebanon, the damaged statue was replaced by IDF troops.

The Northern Command worked to coordinate the replacement of the statue from the moment it received the report of the incident.

The IDF… pic.twitter.com/nGh1s1iia1 — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 21, 2026 The IDF held an inquiry into the destruction of the statue, and determined that “an IDF soldier damaged a Christian religious symbol while another soldier photographed the act.

Six additional soldiers were present at the scene and did not act to stop the incident or report it.

The inquiry determined that the soldiers’ conduct completely deviated from IDF orders and values.” The IDF stressed its “operations in Lebanon are directed solely against the Hezbollah terrorist organization and other terrorist groups, and not against Lebanese civilians.” The conclusion of the inquiry also stated: “It was decided that the soldier who damaged the Christian symbol and the soldier who photographed the act will be removed from combat duty and will receive 30 days of military detention.

The remaining troops who stood by have been summoned for clarification discussions that will be held later on, after which further command-level measures will be determined.” “Procedures regarding conduct with religious institutions and symbols were reinforced to the troops prior to their entry into the relevant areas, and will be reinforced again....