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Photo shows Israeli soldier desecrating a Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon

Photo shows Israeli soldier desecrating a Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon

Summary

An Israeli soldier was photographed putting a cigarette in the mouth of a Virgin Mary statue in a Lebanese village. The Israeli military said it is investigating the incident, will discipline the soldier involved, and stated it respects all religions. This event follows a recent case where another Israeli soldier damaged a statue of Jesus in the same village.

Key Facts

  • The photo shows an Israeli soldier smoking with a cigarette placed in a Virgin Mary statue’s mouth in Debel, South Lebanon.
  • The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) say they are investigating and will discipline the soldier.
  • The IDF respects freedom of religion and said the soldier’s behavior does not represent their values.
  • The photo was taken weeks before it went viral online.
  • Debel is a Maronite Christian-majority village near the Israeli border.
  • Last month, an Israeli soldier was filmed breaking a statue of Jesus in the same village.
  • The IDF punished two soldiers involved in the Jesus statue incident with 30 days in jail and replaced the broken statue.
  • Recent incidents include destruction of a convent and school in South Lebanon and an attack on a nun in Jerusalem.
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