Churches and other religious buildings have come under attack as a result of Israel’s war on Lebanon [Getty]
Israeli soldiers published video footage of themselves mocking wedding rituals and desecrating a church located in the village of Deir Mimas in south Lebanon.
In video footage widely shared online, the soldiers break into the church at night with torches and mimic the religious imagery on the walls, before going on to imitate a bride and groom at the altar while holding microphones.
The soldiers then proceed to mimic intimate acts on the church floor, pile on top of each other and sing.
The Israeli army issued a statement, saying they condemn the act and will be taking disciplinary measures.
“This is a serious act that is not in line with the IDF’s values and orders. The IDF respects all religions and condemns this type of behaviour. This incident is under investigation and those involved will be dealt with disciplinary action,” an Israeli army spokesperson said.
The actions have been heavily denounced online, with many calling for the Israeli army  to be held accountable for its actions in Lebanon and Gaza.
“Deafening silence of US and European politicians who spent the past 20 years masquerading as defenders of Eastern Christians, only to pander to western Islamophobes,” Karim Emile Bitar, a professor of international relations wrote on social media platform X.
“Nihilist barbarians. Obscene and depraved,” another social media user commented.
The video also prompted scathing criticism from Christian groups worldwide.
“What if this happened in a synagogue? They’d be screaming antisemitism,” Wadie Abu Nassar, the coordinator of the Holy Land Christian Forum said according to Israeli media.
The Vatican also reportedly condemned the actions as “outrageous”.
Since the start of Israel’s wars on Gaza and Lebanon, faith leaders around the world have urged for a ceasefire and the protection of places of worship.
Last week, Pope Francis said that allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza should be “carefully investigated”, marking some of his strongest remarks since the eruption of Israel’s offensive.
Israeli forces have also shared images of themselves in Gaza urinating on pages of the holy Quran and destroying and setting fire to mosques.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 44,249 Palestinians and wounded an additional 104,746 others since 7 October 2023. Israeli attacks have also killed at least 3,768 in Lebanon and wounded 15,699 others.
