Disturbing image shows IDF soldier smashing Jesus statue with axe in Lebanon(Image: X)

An unsettling image of an Israeli soldier destroying a statue of Jesus Christ in Lebanon is circulating on the internet.

TheIsraeli Defense Forcesconducted an examination of the image and confirmed it is a real photo of anIDF soldierviolently smashing an important religious icon to pieces while stationed in southern Lebanon.

TheIDFwrote on X that it “views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.”

The photo was posted this morning by a Palestinian journalist named Younis Tirawi. He said that the statue was in a Christian town in Lebanon called Debel.

IDF International Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani responded to initial criticism surrounding the post, writing, "The IDF is currently examining the reliability of the photograph. If this is indeed a real, recent picture, these actions do not align with the IDF's values and the behavior expected of IDF soldiers. The incident will be investigated thoroughly and in depth, and if necessary, steps will be taken in accordance with the findings."

Later in the day, an official statement was released, confirming the photo was not AI. "Following the completion of an initial examination regarding a photograph published earlier today of an IDF soldier harming a Christian symbol, it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon," the official IDF account on X wrote.

"The incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is currently being addressed through the chain of command," it continued.

"Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings. Furthermore, the IDF is working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place. The IDF is operating to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure established by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and has no intention of harming civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols."

The photo has sparked major backlash online, even among conservative politicians in the United States. Former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene writing, "'Our greatest ally' that takes billions of our tax dollars and weapons every year," under the post.

Source: Drudge Report