The Israeli army has said that an image circulating on social media that shows a soldier in south Lebanon hitting a statue of Jesus Christ is authentic and depicts one of its troops.

The Israel army said it viewed the incident with "great severity", adding that the "soldier's conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops".

Israel's army confirms authenticity of image showing soldier striking a Jesus statue in Lebanon, condemning the act as unacceptable.

The army said appropriate measures will be taken against those involved. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

April 19 (UPI) -- The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Sunday that a photo showing an Israeli solider smashing the head of a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon is authentic.

Military says it views incident with 'great severity,' vows it will be handled 'through the chain of command' and that IDF will help restore statue; image has circulated widely online

The Israeli army said ‘appropriate measures will be taken against those involved’ but did not go into further detail.

JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, April 20 - Israel's foreign minister and military on Monday condemned the desecration of a crucifix smashed by an Israeli soldier in a southern Lebanese village home to Christians. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The cross was part of a small shrine in the garden of a family in Debel. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

A viral photo of an Israeli soldier smashing a statue of Jesus in Lebanon sparked outrage, with leaders and activists condemning the desecration.

US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, a truce that could boost attempts to extend the ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel after weeks of devastating war.