ALBAWABA - Israel was recently met with mass backlash after videos of several events flooded social media, capturing Israeli soldiers destroying a statue of Jesus and mocking Christian prayers at a church in southern Lebanon.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) of a meet-up with Christian IDF soldiers and commanders, further praising their service in the army. He added that Israel "protects the rights of Christians in the Middle East" and that it's "the one country in the Middle East where the Christian community not only lives in safety, but thrives, grows and succeeds."
The Israeli Prime Minister outlined how he " listened to their personal stories. Their commitment, their sacrifice, the path they chose. I was deeply impressed.
After insulting Christianity in Lebanon, Netanyahu meets with IDF Christian soldiers
Recently, an Israeli soldier sparked outrage among Christians and other people of the book online after a photo showed him destroying a statue of Jesus Christ with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon.
After widespread backlash, Netanyahu took to X and wrote, "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."
Netanyahu added, "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."
Another video also dropped days after and was met with mass condemnation, after capturing several Israeli soldiers mocking Christian prayers at a church in Lebanon.
