Headlines
Italian Peacekeepers Replace Crucifix Desecrated in South Lebanon
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 23, 2026
1 min readLast updated: April 23, 2026
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Quick Summary
Italian UNIFIL peacekeepers have replaced the crucifix desecrated in Debel, southern Lebanon, after an Israeli soldier smashed the original, with both perpetrators punished and the new statue blessed in a gesture of reconciliation and local support.
Italian Peacekeepers Replace Crucifix Desecrated in Southern Lebanon
Italian UNIFIL Contingent Responds to Crucifix Desecration in Debel
Incident Overview
ROME, April 23 (Reuters) - Italian UN peacekeepers have replaced the statue of Jesus Christ vandalised by Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday.
Widespread Condemnation and Immediate Response
A photo showing the desecration of a crucifix smashed in the village of Debel drew widespread condemnation this week. The two soldiers involved have been removed from combat duty and placed in detention for 30 days.
Official Statements and Community Impact
"I would like to thank Commander Diodato Abagnara and the entire Italian UNIFIL contingent for deciding to donate a new crucifix to the Lebanese village of Debel," Meloni said in a statement.
"The images of the statue being handed over to the community and placed in the very spot where the statue destroyed a few days ago by an IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldier once stood are heart-warming and send a powerful message of hope, dialogue and peace," she added.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Angelo AmanteEditing by Rod Nickel)
Key Takeaways
- •Italian UNIFIL forces installed a new crucifix in Debel after the original was desecrated by an Israeli soldier, restoring it to its former location and appearance (thejournal.ie).
- •Two Israeli soldiers—one who smashed the statue and one who filmed it—have been removed from combat duty and sentenced to 30 days’ military detention; six other soldiers face disciplinary review (jpost.com).
- •The incident drew international condemnation, including from Israel’s prime minister and religious leaders; Cardinal Pizzaballa described it as a “grave affront to the Christian faith” (wsau.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Italian peacekeepers replace crucifix desecrated in south Lebanon
1Why did Italian peacekeepers replace the crucifix in Debel, Lebanon?
Italian UN peacekeepers replaced the crucifix after Israeli soldiers vandalised it, prompting condemnation and a gesture of goodwill from the peacekeeping contingent.
2What action was taken against the Israeli soldiers involved in the vandalism?
The two Israeli soldiers responsible were removed from combat duty and detained for 30 days.
3Who thanked the Italian UNIFIL contingent for their gesture?
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly thanked Commander Diodato Abagnara and the entire Italian UNIFIL contingent.
4Where was the crucifix replaced?
The crucifix was replaced in the exact spot in the Lebanese village of Debel where the previous statue was destroyed.
5What message does the replacement of the crucifix send, according to Italian officials?
The replacement sends a powerful message of hope, dialogue, and peace to the community.
