Italian peacekeepers have installed a new statue of Jesus Christ in the southern Lebanese village of Debel, replacing a figure that was damaged by an Israeli soldier in an incident that drew international criticism.

The vandalism prompted a formal apology from Israel and the detention of two soldiers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act, calling it “wholly inconsistent with the values expected” of the Israel Defense Forces.

The restoration ceremony took place, as Italian peacekeepers escorted Paolo Borgia, the Vatican’s ambassador to Lebanon, into the village.

Residents welcomed the delegation with church bells and applause, marking a rare moment of relief in the conflict-affected community.

Debel, a predominantly Christian town, has faced significant isolation amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Residents say Israeli troops controlling the area have imposed strict movement restrictions, leaving roughly 1,600 inhabitants grappling with shortages of food, medicine, and reliable internet access.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the peacekeeping mission, describing images of the statue’s reinstatement as “heart-warming” and symbolic of “hope, dialogue and peace.”

Although Israel also donated a replacement crucifix to the local parish, Father Fadi Felefli underscored the significance of the Italian-led effort in restoring morale among residents affected by the conflict.

Addressing the incident, Felefli emphasized reconciliation, stating that the community had accepted Israel’s apology in hopes of easing what he described as “suffocating” conditions.

Quoting Christian teachings, he added: “We are the sons of peace and sons of forgiveness; like Jesus said when he was being crucified, ‘God forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.’”