ALBAWABA - An Israeli soldier recently sparked outrage on social media after a photo captured him destroying a statue of Jesus Christ during Israel's ongoing aggression in Lebanon. Many people of the book took to the internet to condemn the offensive act.
In response to the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to X (formerly Twitter) and issued an official statement where he shared how he was "stunned" and "saddened" by the Israeli soldier's actions.
Netanyahu comments on Israeli soldier who destroyed Jesus statue
He wrote, "As the Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths. All religions flourish in our land, and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region."
Netanyahu added, "Yesterday, like the overwhelming majority of Israelis, I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms. Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender."
He then claimed that Christians in Israel "thrive unlike elsewhere in the Middle East" while Syrians and Lebanese muslims "slaughter" them, claiming further that Israel provides the Christian population a higher standard of living compared to other countries in the Middle East.
The post was met with backlash, with several pro-Palestine and human rights activists bringing up Israel's ongoing aggression against Palestine, Lebanon, and its role in the ongoing US war with Iran.
An X user wrote, "All regions? Why then, NO regret when the Israeli forces bombed, demolished or damaged 1109 mosques and killed 315 mosque officials in Gaza?"
Another added, "You liar, look at who violates the rights of Christians there is no one like you. More Christians have been killed in the Middle East than by israel."
