Israeli soldier caught striking a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon triggering widespread outrage across the world. The photo, which has already crossed millions of views online, shows the moment the statue was hit with a sledgehammer during military operations. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed that the image is authentic and said an investigation is underway. Officials stated that disciplinary action will be taken based on the findings, and efforts will be made to restore the damaged statue in coordination with the local Christian community.

A high-stakes diplomatic push has resulted in a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, but the political fallout is already escalating. US President Donald Trump has announced the temporary truce following days of intensified cross-border clashes, raising hopes of a pause in hostilities, but also triggering a storm of geopolitical claims. Lebanese political voices, including senior parliamentarian Hussein Haj Hassan, have publicly linked the ceasefire to mounting Iranian pressure on Washington, alleging that the US was compelled to act amid shifting regional dynamics. These claims, amplified by regional media networks, suggest that the truce may not be purely diplomatic, but part of a larger power play unfolding across West Asia. Meanwhile, criticism of Israel continues to build. Lebanese officials have warned of possible violations of ceasefire terms, calling for strict monitoring as tensions remain volatile along the border. WATCH