Tirawi has asserted that the soldier in question, affiliated with the IDF, was active in southern Lebanon, although the exact timing of the photograph remains uncertain.
The IDF has verified the authenticity of the image via several outlets and is currently conducting an investigation into the matter.
“Upon completing an initial review concerning a photo released earlier today showing an IDF soldier desecrating a Christian symbol, it was confirmed that the image depicts an IDF soldier engaged in operations in southern Lebanon,” the IDF stated on their X account.
The IDF expressed that they regard the situation with “great seriousness,” emphasizing that the soldier’s behavior is “entirely contrary to the principles expected from its personnel.”
Israel has been undertaking military actions in southern Lebanon, targeting the militant faction Hezbollah with their strikes.
The Lebanese government reports that Israeli attacks have resulted in over 2,000 fatalities since March 2, with the UN noting that one particularly intense 10-minute bombing on April 8 claimed 303 lives.
After officials from the two countries met last week, it was finally agreed that Lebanon would be included in the ceasefire.
The IDF claims it is operating in southern Lebanon to disrupt the operations of Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran.
“The IDF is operating to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure established by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and has no intention of harming civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols,” it said in the statement.
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