US EditionItalian Peacekeepers Replace Jesus Statue Vandalized by Israeli Soldiers
Italian peacekeepers restored the crucifix after an Israeli soldier’s attack drew worldwide condemnation and led Israel to detain two soldiers.
- On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Italian soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon installed a new Jesus statue in Debel, replacing one destroyed by an Israel Defense Forces soldier.
- Global outrage followed an April 19 video showing an IDF soldier using an axe to destroy the town's crucifix; Israel's military subsequently removed two soldiers from duty and imposed 30-day detention as acknowledgment of the incident.
- Peacekeepers escorted Vatican ambassador to Lebanon Archbishop Paolo Borgia to the village for the ceremony, where St. George Parish priest Father Fadi Felefli welcomed the replacement, stating townspeople are "very happy and appreciative" to have the figure.
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the contingent, calling the statue's replacement a "powerful message of hope," though residents remain traumatized by ongoing regional fighting that has severely limited access to food and medicine.
- The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land condemned the desecration, citing a pattern of behavior and demanding accountability, as documented reports show rising attacks on Christians throughout the region complicate the broader security landscape.
24 Articles
24 Articles
After the desecration of a cross by an Israeli soldier, in which a Jesus figure was damaged – krone.at reported – the Christian village of Debel in southern Lebanon received double replacement on Friday. In addition to the Israeli army, the UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL in Lebanon also donated a cross as a replacement. This was confirmed by the papal nunciature in Harissa near Beirut and UNIFIL at the request of the German Catholic News Agency …
The Italians of Unifil set a new crucifix in Debel, just where the one was destroyed by a soldier of the IDF. Pizzaballa against the actions of the settlers in Gisgiordania.When the inhabitants of Debel, in southern Lebanon, saw from afar the object that the Italian military carried with them had no doubt: he was a Crucifix. Although wrapped in a white and heavy padding, it could be nothing more than what they were imagining: it was their Crucif…
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