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[quote=Anonymous]Lebanon resident recognizes family crucifix smashed by Israeli soldier in viral image
[url]https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-04-24/lebanon-resident-recognizes-family-crucifix-smashed-by-israeli-soldier-in-viral-image[/url]

Houssam Naddaf said no words could capture the shock of seeing an Israeli soldier smash a crucifix in his family’s private garden in the southern Lebanese village of Debel — an image he recognized instantly as it spread online.

“I saw it on the internet like everyone else,” he said. Naddaf had not been able to go to the house in person to see the damage because of restrictions on movement imposed by Israeli forces in the area.

Israeli forces took control of the area as part of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war, which began March 2 when the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group fired a salvo of missiles over the border two days after the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran. Israel then launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon and its forces have remained there despite the announcement of a truce last week.

The images of the soldier swinging an ax into the fallen statue of Jesus on the cross in the southern Lebanese village of Debel had sparked widespread condemnation, in Lebanon and internationally.

Israel’s military said Tuesday that it had replaced the sculpture, and Naddaf confirmed that the Israeli army brought a similar but smaller crucifix, offered an apology and installed it in the presence of village priests.

However, Naddaf said that his family members, who were not present for that installation, already had been contacted by U.N. peacekeepers about a crucifix being offered by Italy. The family decided to accept the Italian donation, a statue about the same size as the original, and give the Israel-supplied one to a local church instead.

The Italian-donated crucifix was erected in a small ceremony Wednesday attended by local priests, residents and U.N. peacekeepers, along with Naddaf and other members of his family.

Despite the ceasefire, Naddaf said his family has been barred by the Israeli army from returning to their home

Upon visiting his home during the crucifix installation, escorted by U.N. peacekeepers, he said he found a “total mess,” though he said he was grateful that the house was still standing, unlike several nearby homes that were demolished.[/quote]

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