Jerusalem, April 20 (NationPress) Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed his outrage on Monday regarding an incident where an Israeli soldier vandalized a statue of Jesus Christ in Lebanon, stating that he was left feeling "stunned and saddened" upon hearing the news.

Netanyahu affirmed that military officials are currently conducting a criminal investigation into the incident and will ensure that the responsible individual faces disciplinary measures. He emphasized that Israel values and promotes the Jewish principles of tolerance and mutual respect among Jews and individuals of all faiths.

This reaction followed the circulation of a photograph on social media that captured an Israeli soldier destroying the statue with a sledgehammer.

In a post on X, Netanyahu remarked, "As the Jewish state, Israel values Jewish principles of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths. All religions flourish in our land, and we regard members of all faiths as equals in shaping our society and region. Just like the vast majority of Israelis, I was profoundly shocked and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier desecrated a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I vehemently condemn this act. Military authorities are investigating the matter and will impose appropriate disciplinary actions against the perpetrator."

He added, "While Christians face persecution in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims, the Christian community in Israel is thriving unlike anywhere else in the Middle East. Israel is the only place in the region where the Christian population and their quality of life are improving. It is a nation that upholds freedom of worship for everyone. We deeply regret the incident and the pain it has caused believers in Lebanon and globally."

On Sunday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated that they regard this incident with utmost seriousness, noting that the soldier's actions are "inconsistent" with the ethical standards expected of IDF personnel. They confirmed that the Northern Command is actively investigating the situation and assured that appropriate actions will be taken against all involved.

The IDF shared on X, "After an initial review of a photograph that surfaced earlier today showing an IDF soldier damaging a Christian symbol, it was confirmed that the soldier was operating in southern Lebanon. The IDF views this incident with serious concern and strongly emphasizes that such behavior is completely contrary to the values upheld by its troops."

They continued, "The Northern Command is currently investigating the incident through the appropriate chain of command. Necessary actions will be taken based on the findings. In addition, the IDF is committed to assisting the community in restoring the statue. We are focused on dismantling the terrorist infrastructure set up by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and have no intention of harming civilian infrastructure, including places of worship or religious symbols."