JERUSALEM,— Israel’s military said Tuesday it removed two soldiers from combat duty and placed them in military detention for 30 days after they destroyed a crucifix in southern Lebanon.
A photo showed a soldier striking a fallen statue of Jesus on the cross with the blunt side of an axe.
The image drew condemnation from Israeli politicians, the United States, and church leaders on Monday. It was posted by Palestinian reporter Younis Tirawi, who has also shared images of alleged Israeli misconduct in Gaza.
A military statement said an investigation found one soldier damaged a Christian religious symbol while another filmed the act. Six additional soldiers were present but did not intervene.
The army said it is working with local residents to replace the statue.
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir called the act unacceptable and a moral failure, according to the statement.
The image was taken in Debel, a village in southern Lebanon where residents remained during an Israeli campaign against Hezbollah, backed by Iran.
The campaign began March 2 after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in support of Iran.
Debel is among several villages now effectively under Israeli control. Israel and Lebanon agreed Thursday to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire aimed at halting fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
An Israeli official previously told Reuters that Christian villages were not given evacuation orders, unlike Shi’ite areas. Lebanese lawmakers have warned Israeli actions could worsen sectarian tensions.
The military has carried out demolitions in southern villages, saying it targets Hezbollah infrastructure.
(With files from Reuters)
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