Viral Image of Destroyed Crucifix in Lebanon Leads to Israeli Military Probe and UN-Facilitated Replacement

A Lebanese resident has said he recognised his family’s crucifix after seeing a viral image of an Israeli soldier destroying a religious statue in the southern village of Debel, an incident that has since led to disciplinary action, diplomatic involvement, and a coordinated replacement effort involving UN peacekeepers and Italy.

Houssam Naddaf said he first saw the footage online like others and was unable to visit his home due to Israeli-imposed movement restrictions in southern Lebanon , where forces have maintained control of parts of the border region during the ongoing Israel–Hezbollah conflict .

The widely circulated image shows a soldier striking a statue of Jesus on the cross in a private garden. It drew strong condemnation from religious leaders and governments, prompting scrutiny of conduct in the conflict zone.

According to military investigations, the Israeli army described the act as a serious violation of military values and rules , removing the soldier from combat duty and detaining him. Another soldier who filmed the act was also disciplined, while six additional soldiers are under review for failing to intervene or report it .

The army initially replaced the damaged crucifix with a smaller version and expressed regret, but the family rejected it. They later accepted a full-sized Italian-donated crucifix , coordinated through UNIFIL peacekeepers and the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon , which was installed in a formal ceremony with clergy, residents, and UN personnel. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called it a symbol of peace and dialogue.

Naddaf said the original crucifix was installed in 2018 on shared family property in Debel, a predominantly Christian village near the border. Despite a ceasefire, Israeli forces continue maintaining a buffer zone extending up to 10 km inside Lebanon , restricting civilian return.

Residents report widespread destruction across border villages, with fears that many areas may remain uninhabitable. Naddaf said his family remains unable to return home, though their house is still standing unlike several nearby destroyed properties.