Jerusalem, Apr 21 (AP) The Israeli military has sentenced two soldiers to 30 days in jail for the destruction of a statue of Jesus in Lebanon.
One of the soldiers photographed the other using what appears to be a sledgehammer to hack down the crucifix during military operations in the Lebanese village. The two will be held in military detention for 30 days.
“The soldiers' conduct completely deviated from IDF orders and values,” said a military statement, using the acronym for the Israeli military.
The disciplinary measures come after the photo of the incident attracted worldwide attention and condemnations from Christian religious leaders. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar have also denounced the incident.
The military said that six other soldiers who stood by without intervening would be summoned for conversations with higher-ups and that military protocol for dealing with religious buildings and artifacts were re-emphasised to troops in the area. (AP) GRS
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