Viral Photo: Israeli Soldier Smashes Jesus Statue With Sledgehammer in Southern Lebanon
A shocking photograph went viral online — an Israeli soldier striking a Jesus Christ statue with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon, instantly accumulating over 5 million views on X and triggering massive global outrage.
On Monday, the Israeli military officially confirmed the image was authentic. It stated the soldier was operating in southern Lebanon and announced a formal investigation, promising “appropriate measures” against those found responsible.
Palestinian lawmakers fired back hard. Ayman Odeh sarcastically warned officials might claim the soldier “felt threatened by Jesus.” Ahmad Tibi called out those who destroy mosques, churches, and spit on Christian clergy — all without punishment.
Tibi directly linked the act to Donald Trump’s controversial AI-generated Jesus image and his public feud with Pope Leo. Activists and academics condemned the desecration of the statue, located near the village of Debl, southern Lebanon.
This was no isolated incident. Israeli forces repeatedly attacked mosques and churches throughout the Gaza war. In the occupied West Bank, settlers vandalized or attacked 45 mosques in 2024 alone, per the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The RFDC documented at least 201 incidents of violence against Christians between January 2024 and September 2025 — mostly targeting clergy in Jerusalem’s Old City through spitting, verbal abuse, vandalism, and physical assaults.
