Crucifix in Southern Lebanon Replaced by Italian U.N. Peacekeepers After Vandalism Draws Global Condemnation

BEIRUT — A crucifix statue of Jesus that was vandalized by an Israeli soldier in the southern Lebanese village of Debel has been replaced by Italian peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), in an episode that has drawn international criticism and renewed attention to tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.

The original statue, located in the garden of a Christian family in Debel, a predominantly Maronite village in the Bint Jbeil district, was destroyed with a sledgehammer, according to reporting by Reuters and other international outlets. The act was recorded by another soldier, and images and videos circulated widely on social media over the weekend of April 19–20, prompting swift reactions from religious leaders, governments, and international organizations.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) condemned the incident and described it as a serious breach of conduct. In a statement, the military said two soldiers directly involved had been removed from combat duty and sentenced to 30 days in detention. Six additional soldiers present at the scene are facing disciplinary proceedings for failing to intervene.

The IDF initially replaced the damaged statue on April 22. However, residents said the replacement differed significantly in size and design from the original, and it was not fully accepted by the local community.

Italian peacekeepers assigned to UNIFIL later stepped in, commissioning and installing a new crucifix more closely resembling the original. The installation was carried out in coordination with local residents and church representatives, underscoring the role of international forces not only in maintaining security but also in supporting community relations.

Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, praised the اقدام in an official statement, thanking the Italian UNIFIL contingent and its commander, Diodato Abagnara. She described the restoration as a gesture that “conveys a message of hope, dialogue and peace.”

Antonio Tajani, Italy’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, had earlier expressed outrage over the desecration of a Christian symbol, while also acknowledging Israel’s decision to take disciplinary action against those responsible.

Catholic leaders in the Holy Land issued strong condemnations, and reports indicated that Archbishop Paolo Borgia, the Vatican’s ambassador to Lebanon, visited Debel and blessed the new statue prior to its installation.

The episode comes amid continued tensions in southern Lebanon following months of cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli forces maintain a presence in parts of the area, while UNIFIL continues to monitor the cease-fire and support stability along the frontier.

For many in Debel, the replacement of the crucifix has taken on symbolic weight — a sign of resilience and a reminder of the fragile coexistence of faith, politics and conflict in the region. []