Netanyahu condemns IDF soldier’s damage to church icon in Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned an incident in which an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon, calling the act unacceptable and announcing a military investigation.

In a statement posted on X, Netanyahu said he was “stunned and saddened” by the incident, which he said prompted immediate action by military authorities, Caliber.Az reports. 

As the Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths. All religions flourish in our land and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region.

Yesterday, like the…

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 20, 2026

“I condemn the act in the strongest terms,” Netanyahu wrote. “Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender.”

The prime minister also emphasised Israel’s commitment to religious coexistence, stating: “As the Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths. All religions flourish in our land and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region.”

Addressing broader regional conditions, Netanyahu contrasted the situation in Israel with that in neighbouring countries, saying: “While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims, the Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle East.”

He added that Israel remains committed to protecting freedom of worship, stating: “Israel is the only country in the region that the Christian population and standard of living is growing. Israel is the only place in the Middle East that adheres to freedom of worship for all.”

Netanyahu concluded by expressing regret over the incident, saying: “We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world.”

By Sabina Mammadli