Israel punishes soldiers who desecrated crucifix in southern Lebanon

Israel’s military removed two soldiers from combat duty and placed them in military detention for 30 days after they destroyed a crucifix in southern Lebanon, it said on Tuesday.



A picture that showed an Israeli soldier taking the blunt side of an axe to a fallen sculpture of Jesus on the cross drew widespread condemnation on Monday from Israeli politicians, the United States and church leaders.



It was posted by Younis Tirawi, a Palestinian reporter who has also posted images of Israeli soldiers' apparent misconduct in Gaza.



A military statement said an investigation into the incident showed that one soldier damaged a Christian religious symbol, while another photographed the act. Six other soldiers had been present without taking action or interfering, according to the statement.