'Israeli' soldier reportedly desecrates Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Previous confirmed incidents involved damage and destruction to Christian sites
- Tensions rise amid repeated violations and attacks
An unverified image circulating on social media platforms, originally shared by Twitter account “Israel Genocide Tracker,” appears to show an 'Israeli' soldier offering a cigarette to a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon. The image could not be independently verified.
Israel does not, and will never, hold its soldiers accountable. This is why they will continue to disrespect religious statues and post themselves doing so.
— Israel Genocide Tracker (@trackingisrael) May 6, 2026
Mother Mary statue in South Lebanon; posted today. pic.twitter.com/zCmGeKMFvw
Series of incidents involving religious sites
The image comes amid a series of incidents in recent weeks involving Christian symbols and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
On April 19, an 'Israeli' soldier was photographed destroying a statue of Jesus Christ in a village in the south. The army said a military police investigation was launched, claiming the act violated military orders.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation across Lebanon, with officials and local communities describing it as a violation of religious sanctities.
Subsequent reports claimed the soldiers involved in the statue’s destruction were dismissed and sentenced to 30 days in military prison.
According to 'Israeli' Army Radio, military officials had also requested a religious condemnation of the act. However, the Chief Rabbinate declined to issue a public statement, opting instead to coordinate on handling similar incidents.
Additional reports of damage
On April 26, a video of 'Israeli' soldiers damaging solar panels in the Christian village of Debel went viral and later the ‘Israeli’ military said it was investigating the footage as they reportedly do not align with its values.
Lebanese media also reported damage to water infrastructure, homes, roads, and trees in the same area.
Days later, on May 2, local sources reported that ‘Israeli’ forces demolished a convent and school in Yaroun, as well as other religious sites. Lebanese officials described the incidents as part of a broader pattern of destruction in border villages.
Read more: 'Israeli' forces demolish convent, school in southern Lebanon border town
Read more: ‘Israel’s’ Chief Rabbinate declines to condemn smashing of Jesus statue in Lebanon
