BREAKING: IDF Says It Views Incident “With Great Severity” As Soldier Punished Over Statue Video
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According to a report by Telegraph on Monday, May 11, 2026, An Israeli soldier has been sentenced to 21 days in military detention after a video emerged showing him placing a cigarette into the mouth of a Virgin Mary statue in southern Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed.
The incident, which sparked widespread international criticism, also led to disciplinary action against another soldier who filmed the act. He was sentenced to 14 days in detention.
The footage circulated widely online, prompting condemnation from various global figures and institutions, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The IDF stated that it views the incident “with great severity” and reaffirmed its commitment to respecting religious beliefs and sacred sites.
In an official statement, a military spokesperson said: “The IDF respects freedom of religion and worship, as well as holy sites and religious symbols of all religions and communities.”
The disciplinary measures come amid heightened regional tensions and increased international scrutiny of military conduct in conflict zones. The IDF has reiterated that such behaviour does not reflect its operational standards or institutional values, emphasizing that strict action is taken in cases involving misconduct.
The statue, located in a religious site in southern Lebanon, holds significance for local Christian communities. The act has been widely condemned as offensive to religious sensitivities and has further intensified debates over conduct in active military environments.
Military officials confirmed that internal procedures were followed in addressing the incident, while stressing that the Israeli army remains committed to upholding discipline and respecting cultural and religious heritage in all areas of deployment.
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