Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday condemned in the “strongest terms” the attack on a statue of Jesus Christ by an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon.In a post on Twitter, Netanyahu said, “Yesterday, like the overwhelming majority of Israelis, I was shocked and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious symbol in southern Lebanon. I strongly condemn this act. Military authorities are conducting a criminal investigation into the matter and will take appropriate harsh disciplinary action against the perpetrator.”Read this also ‘Hurts our religious sentiments’: Image of IDF soldier attacking Jesus statue sparks outrage in LebanonHe said, “As a Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect among Jews and worshipers of all religions. All religions flourish on our land and we see members of all religions equally involved in building our society and region.”Netanyahu also said, “While Christians are being massacred by Muslims in Syria and Lebanon, the Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle East. Israel is the only country in the region where the Christian population and living standards are increasing. Israel is the only place in the Middle East that practices freedom of worship for all. We regret this incident and apologize to believers in Lebanon and around the world for any harm it may cause.” Also sorry for the injury.“A photo widely shared on social media showed a soldier using a hammer or similar tool on the head of a statue of a crucified Jesus, which had been separated from the cross.Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar also condemned the incident, calling it “gross and outrageous”. In a post on Twitter, he said the act was “completely contrary to our values” and stressed that Israel respects all religions and their sacred symbols. He also praised the Israeli military for condemning the act and launching an investigation.
