A viral photograph shows an Israeli soldier smashing a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon with a sledgehammer, sparking outrage among social media users. The Israeli military confirmed the authenticity of the photograph and confirmed that an investigation has been initiated. The incident was widely shared online, with over 5 million views on X. Palestinian members of the Knesset, including Ayman Odeh, expressed concern over the police claim that the soldier felt threatened by Christ. They also criticised the international silence following attacks on religious sites and symbols by Israeli soldiers and settlers.