Israeli Soldiers Jailed for Desecrating Virgin Mary Statue in Lebanon
Two Israeli soldiers have been sentenced to military prison for desecrating a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon. One soldier placed a cigarette in the statue's mouth while the other photographed the act. The image went viral, sparking widespread outrage. The Israeli military condemned the incident, with spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ariella Mazor stating it respects freedom of worship. The soldier posing received 21 days, the photographer 14. This is the latest in a series of acts denounced as anti-Christian by Israeli forces in the region, where Israel launched a ground invasion earlier this year targeting Hezbollah.
Key facts
- Two Israeli soldiers jailed for desecrating a Virgin Mary statue in southern Lebanon.
- One soldier put a cigarette in the statue's mouth; the other took a photo.
- The photo went viral and sparked outrage.
- Soldier posing: 21 days in military prison; photographer: 14 days.
- Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ariella Mazor condemned the act.
- Incident occurred in southern Lebanon amid Israeli ground invasion against Hezbollah.
- Described as latest 'anti-Christian' act by Israeli forces.
- Israel's military says it respects freedom of religion and holy sites.
Entities
Institutions
- Israeli military
- Hezbollah
Locations
- Lebanon
- southern Lebanon