Israeli soldier pictured desecrating Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon

Israeli soldier pictured desecrating Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon Submitted by MEE staff on Thu, 05/07/2026 - 09:58 Military says it will discipline the soldier seen placing a cigarette in a statue's mouth in the village of Debel An Israeli soldier desecrates a Virgin Mary statue in the Christian village of Debel in Lebanon (X/Screengrab) Off The Israeli military has launched an inquiry after a viral video showed one of its soldiers in southern Lebanon desecrating a statue of the Virgin Mary. The incident took place in the Christian village of Debel, and was captured in a photo that was shared on Wednesday. The Israeli military said it had identified the soldier and that he would be disciplined.