Outrage over Israeli soldier's vandalism of Jesus statue in Lebanon

An image of an Israeli soldier apparently hitting a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon has prompted widespread condemnation after being widely shared online. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was "stunned and saddened" by what happened. Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, said: "We apologise for this incident and to...

An image of an Israeli soldier apparently hitting a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon has prompted widespread condemnation after being widely shared online.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was "stunned and saddened" by what happened. Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, said: "We apologise for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt."

Locals say the statue was on a crucifix outside a family home on the edge of Debel, one of the few villages where residents have remained during Israel's war with Hezbollah.

The head of Debel's congregation, Father Fadi Flaifel, told the BBC: "We totally reject the desecration of the cross, our sacred symbol, and all religious symbols.