India, May 8 -- An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier was caught on camera smoking and placing a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon, prompting the Israeli military to launch an investigation after the image went viral online.

An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier was caught on camera smoking and placing a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon, prompting the Israeli military to launch an investigation after the image went viral online.

According to media reports, the photograph was taken in the village of Debel.

Reacting to the incident, IDF International Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said, "The IDF views the incident with utmost severity and e...