Israeli Soldiers Jailed for Destroying Jesus Statue in Lebanon

In a notable military development, two Israeli soldiers have received a 30-day jail sentence for damaging a statue of Jesus in Lebanon. This disciplinary action follows a photo capturing the soldiers' act of using a sledgehammer to destroy the religious artifact during operations in a Lebanese village.

The incident has provoked global outrage, particularly among Christian leaders, with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also expressing disapproval. A military statement emphasized that the soldiers' behavior was a stark departure from the values and orders of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

In response to the negative backlash, the military has undertaken further measures to ensure compliance with its protocols concerning religious sites. Additionally, six other soldiers present at the scene, who failed to intervene, have been charged with attending consultative sessions with their superiors.

(With inputs from agencies.)