Jerusalem cleric denounces destruction of Christ statue by Israeli soldier in Lebanon
A senior Catholic cleric in Jerusalem has condemned the destruction of a statue of Jesus Christ by an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon, describing the act as “shameful” and a violation of religious respect.
William Shomali, an auxiliary bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, spoke out on Monday following reports that the incident occurred in the town of Debel in Nabatieh province.
The Israeli military acknowledged the incident after it was first reported by Haaretz, confirming that one of its soldiers had smashed the statue.
Shomali criticised the act in strong terms, calling it “shameful and disgraceful,” and said it amounted to a breach of international humanitarian law.
“What we saw is contempt for religions. It is absolutely unacceptable and must not be allowed,” he said.
The incident has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions in the region, with religious leaders warning that such actions risk inflaming sensitivities and undermining respect for sacred symbols.
