Catholic Church spokesman in Israel calls footage of soldier smashing statue of Jesus “revolting

Attorney Wadie Abunassar, spokesman for the Catholic Church in Israel, condemned footage appearing to show an IDF soldier smashing a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon, describing the incident as grave and deeply disturbing.

Speaking in the Ynet studio, Abunassar said he initially hoped the footage was not authentic, but added that what was seen in the video was impossible to ignore.

“Very severe and disturbing”

“I prayed it wasn’t real. The aggression in the image and what emerges from the footage is very severe and disturbing.”

“There are things you don’t do – this was truly revolting.”

Abunassar said the incident went beyond a single act of vandalism and touched something much deeper for Christians who see such symbols as sacred.

Criticism of education and conduct

He said the episode points to a broader failure in the education and training of soldiers operating in the field.

“This is about poor education and training of fighters and soldiers in the field.”

“When something that is in the depths of your soul is harmed, you cannot remain indifferent.”

Call for condemnation and punishment

Abunassar said he expects the IDF to clearly condemn the incident and take disciplinary action against the soldier involved.

• He described the footage as severe and disturbing.

• He said the act was revolting and unacceptable.

• He linked the incident to failures in education and training.

• He said the soldier should be punished.

His remarks came after the IDF said it was reviewing the footage and stated that such actions do not align with IDF values or the conduct expected of its soldiers.