In brief
In response to the desecration of a Jesus statue in Lebanon by Israeli soldiers, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that two soldiers will face military detention and removal from combat duties. The event, which has drawn considerable backlash and condemnation, also involved six other soldiers who did not act to prevent the vandalism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his dismay at the incident.
The Israeli soldier who hit a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in Lebanon and the soldier who photographed the incident will receive 30 days of military detention, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said.
In a statement, the IDF also said the two soldiers - who have not been named - would be removed from combat duty.
Another six soldiers who were at the scene and failed to intervene will be dealt with separately.
The incident in the village of Debel in southern Lebanon prompted widespread condemnation after an image of it was widely shared online. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was stunned and saddened by what happened.
