Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:32am on 21 Apr 2026,Tuesday International
An Israeli soldier seen striking a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in south Lebanon has triggered strong criticism online. The Israeli military said it viewed the act with “great severity” and said the soldier’s behaviour did not match army values. It added that action would be taken. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “stunned and saddened.” Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel apologised to Christians hurt by the incident. Local church leader Father Fadi Flaifel said the cross is a sacred symbol and its desecration was rejected. The military also said it was working to restore the statue. (PC: BBC)
