12.5.2027
Israeli soldiers who thrust cigarette into the mouth of the Virgin Mary’s statue during an operation in South Lebanon will spend some time in a military jail.
The soldiers desecrated the statue and took photos with it in an act of mockery Christians who hold the Virgin Mary in high spiritual esteem.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on May 11 they had thoroughly investigated and severely punished those involved in the religious desecration that occurred in Debel, a Maronite Christian village in southern Lebanon.
According to military sources, based on the investigation results, the soldier who inserted a cigarette into the statue of the Virgin Mary was sentenced to 21 days in prison, and the soldier who photographed the scene received a 14-day prison sentence.
In a statement, the IDF said, “We view this matter with the utmost seriousness,” and added, “The military respects the freedom of religion and worship and protects the holy sites and religious symbols of all religions and communities.” It further stated, “We regularly and clearly educate soldiers on the regulations regarding conduct around religious facilities and symbols before entering operational areas.”
In April a soldier destroyed the statue of Jesus Christ Debel. The IDF dismissed the two soldiers—the one who damaged the statue and the one who photographed the act—from their combat positions and sentenced them to 30 days in military prison.