An image showing an IDF soldier in uniform smashing a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon spread rapidly online on Sunday afternoon, drawing condemnations across social media.
The IDF said that it would investigate, confirming on Sunday evening that the image was genuine.
"The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops," the military said following its confirmation.
"The incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is currently being addressed through the chain of command. Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings," the military added.
The IDF will also assist the community in restoring the statue to its place, the military said.
According to reports attributed to members of the Christian community in the village of Ain Ebel in the central sector of southern Lebanon, the alleged incident took place in Debel, a Maronite Christian village about six kilometers to the northwest and roughly five kilometers northeast of the Israeli border community of Shtula.
Christian Forum coordinator: 'Impossible to remain silent'
Wadie Abunassar, coordinator of the Christian Forum in the Holy Land, said he had received the image from several sources and urged that the matter not be ignored.
“It is impossible to remain silent in the face of such violations,” he said, calling for efforts to verify the incident and for complaints to be filed in order to bring the perpetrator to justice, if it is ultimately confirmed that the act took place.