By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Israel Defense Forces sentenced two soldiers to military prison after one posed with a cigarette near a Virgin Mary statue in southern Lebanon. The incident happened several weeks ago, surfaced online last week, and triggered criticism over soldiers’ conduct toward Christian symbols. Military officials investigated the case and announced punishments on Monday. One soldier received 21 days in prison, while the soldier who filmed the act received 14 days.
Military Confirms Investigation
According to the Israeli military, commanders on the ground investigated the incident after the image spread online. The photo showed a soldier placing a cigarette near the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary while wrapping an arm around it.
Military spokeswoman Ariella Mazor condemned the soldiers’ actions. She stated that the conduct violated the values expected from military personnel.
Mazor added that the military respects freedom of religion, places of worship, and religious symbols across all faiths and communities.
Soldiers Receive Prison Sentences
Following the investigation, military authorities punished both soldiers involved in the incident.
The soldier seen in the image received 21 days in military prison. Meanwhile, the soldier who recorded the act received a 14-day sentence.
The military also stressed that it has no intention of harming civilian infrastructure or religious symbols during operations.
Previous Incident Involving Jesus Statue
This case is not the first controversy involving Israeli soldiers and Christian symbols in southern Lebanon.
In late April, the military disciplined two soldiers after images showed one striking a statue of Jesus Christ with a sledgehammer in the Lebanese village of Debl.
Authorities sentenced the soldiers to 30 days of military detention and removed them from combat duty.
The earlier incident also sparked criticism online and raised concerns among Christian communities in the region.
Military Reaffirms Respect for Religious Sites
The Israeli military repeated its commitment to protecting religious freedom and sacred sites. Officials said the actions of the soldiers did not reflect military values or official policy.
However, the repeated incidents have continued to attract international attention and criticism.
