Outcry grows over Israeli soldier smashing Jesus statue in Lebanon
Al Jazeera • • general
Key Points:
- A photo of an Israeli soldier smashing a statue of Jesus Christ in Lebanon has sparked widespread outrage in the US, including criticism from some right-wing figures traditionally supportive of Israel, such as Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act, promising a criminal investigation and disciplinary action, while defending Israel’s treatment of Christians compared to other Middle Eastern countries.
- The incident highlights a pattern of Israeli attacks on religious sites in Lebanon and Gaza, including churches and mosques, which has drawn condemnation from Catholic leaders and human rights advocates.
- Public support for Israel in the US is declining, with growing skepticism among parts of the Republican base amid prolonged Middle East conflicts and concerns over attacks on Christian symbols.
- Advocacy groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) have called on US political leaders to halt military aid to Israel, holding them accountable for enabling such actions.
