Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned an Israeli soldier who smashed a Jesus statue "in the strongest terms".
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched an investigation after a photo of a soldier appearing to destroy a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon circulated across social media.
On Sunday, an image of the incident was shared by Palestinian "journalist" Younis Tirawi, alongside the caption: "An Israeli soldier smashing the head of a Jesus Christ statue during operations in southern Lebanon."
The alleged vandalism is believed to have taken place in the Christian town of Debel, with a local community page on Facebook claiming it belongs to them.
Mr Netanyahu said on X: "As the Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths.
"All religions flourish in our land and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region.
"Yesterday, like the overwhelming majority of Israelis, I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon.
"I condemn the act in the strongest terms. Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender."
IDF launched a probe after Israeli soldiers 'destroy crucifix in Lebanon'
| X/YTIRAWIHe added: "While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims, the Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle East.
"Israel is the only country in the region that the Christian population and standard of living is growing.
"Israel is the only place in the Middle East that adheres to freedom of worship for all.
"We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world."
Benjamin Netanyahu issued a response on social media
|REUTERS
The original upload has been viewed more than 5.3 million times on X alone.
Shortly after it began circulating across social media, the IDF's international spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani confirmed the "reliability of the photograph" was being investigated.
He wrote on social media: "If this is indeed a real, recent picture, these actions do not align with the IDF's values and the behaviour expected of IDF soldiers.
"The incident will be investigated thoroughly and in depth, and if necessary, steps will be taken in accordance with the findings."
The IDF vowed to work alongside the Christian community of Debel to restore the statue to its original form
|GETTY
Shortly afterwards, the IDF issued a statement confirming "it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon".
The Israeli military said: "The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasises that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.
"The incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is currently being addressed through the chain of command.
"Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings."
The IDF vowed to work alongside the Christian community of Debel to restore the statue to its original form.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter