Israel’s top Jewish religious body 'refuses to condemn' smashing of Jesus statue

Israel’s Chief Rabbinate has refused to condemn the smashing of a statue of Jesus by a soldier in southern Lebanon earlier this month. Military officials had requested a statement denouncing the incident as contrary to Jewish law, but no condemnation was issued. Instead, the Rabbinate agreed to coordinate with the military and Israel’s propaganda apparatus, known as hasbara, regarding similar incidents.