Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned the damaging of a Catholic religious icon by an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon.
It follows an image circulating online appearing to show a soldier striking a statue of Jesus Christ with a sledgehammer.
Netanyahu said he and the “overwhelming majority of Israelis” were stunned and saddened, and confirmed a military criminal investigation is underway, with harsh disciplinary action promised.
He also reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to freedom of worship, while expressing regret for the incident. The US ambassador has called for swift, severe and public consequences.
