Outrage erupts over photo of Israeli soldier placing cigarette in mouth Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon

Outrage is growing over a photo of an Israeli soldier pushing a cigarette into the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon.

Israeli army officials say the ‘matter is under examination.’ pic.twitter.com/fYVdHE9PBd

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 7, 2026

Outrage is growing over a photo of an Israeli soldier pushing a cigarette into the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon.

Israeli army officials say the ‘matter is under examination.’