The Israeli military has apologised to a Christian community in southern Lebanon after soldiers were filmed damaging a crucifix during operations in the area in April, announcing disciplinary action against those responsible and assisting in the installation of a replacement statue.

The incident took place in the predominantly Christian village of Debel, where images circulated on social media appearing to show an Israeli soldier striking the face of Christ on a roadside crucifix with a sledgehammer. The footage prompted condemnation from Church leaders and drew international attention amid heightened regional tensions.

In a statement released on April 21, the Israel Defense Forces said it had worked “in full coordination with the local community” to replace the damaged statue. Military officials added that the Northern Command had acted immediately after receiving reports of the incident and expressed “deep regret” for what occurred. According to reports, however, the replaced statue was installed by Italian troops from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

Two soldiers directly involved – the individual seen striking the crucifix and another who photographed the act – have been sentenced to 30 days of military detention and removed from combat duties, according to the military. Six additional personnel who witnessed the incident without intervening were summoned for disciplinary review, and further measures may follow.

The military said its internal investigation found that the behaviour of those involved “completely deviated from orders and values”, describing the episode as a serious breach of standards governing respect for religious sites and symbols. The chief of general staff formally condemned the incident, calling it “unacceptable conduct and a moral failure, far exceeding any acceptable standard”.

Church leaders in the region responded swiftly. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch and most senior cleric of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, described the destruction of the crucifix as “a grave affront to the Christian faith”. In a subsequent statement issued through the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land, he emphasised the enduring spiritual significance of the symbol. “For believers, the Cross endures as a source of dignity, hope and redemption,” he said, urging Christians to respond to violence with faith and perseverance.

Southern Lebanon is home to several historic Christian communities, many of which have experienced periodic displacement and insecurity after Israel’s latest offensive in the region.