Wave of protests around the world
Beirut/Jerusalem: A case of insulting the statue of Jesus Christ by an Israeli soldier (IDF) has come to light in Debal, a Christian-dominated village in southern Lebanon. In a photo that has gone viral on social media, an Israeli soldier is seen hitting a statue that has fallen from the cross with a hammer. While there is a lot of anger in the Christian community of Lebanon due to this incident, Israel is also being criticized at the international level.
Considering the seriousness of the matter, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the incident. “Israel is the only place in the Middle East where everyone has the freedom to worship. We regret this incident and the hurt it has caused to pilgrims around the world,” he wrote on social media. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also called it “shameful” and said strict action would be taken against the guilty soldier.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also confirmed the photo and acknowledged that the soldier’s behavior went against the military’s moral values. Israel’s closest ally, the United States, is also shocked by this incident. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called this action unforgivable. He said, “This action does not represent the Israeli government or the IDF. It should have serious and public consequences.”
The incident occurred at a time when a 10-day ceasefire is in force between Israel and Lebanon since April 16. However, Israeli troops are still deployed in southern Lebanon and it has warned civilians not to visit certain areas. This incident of sacrilege has dealt a major blow to ceasefire efforts and religious harmony in the area.
Comments are closed.