IDF denies bulldozing Catholic convent in Lebanon, Christian envoy decries ‘reckless and deliberate’ lies about Israel

Following reports in Lebanese media alleging that the IDF destroyed a Catholic convent in the town of Yaroun in southern Lebanon, the military acknowledged damaging a building within the compound but denied claims that it had demolished the site

The IDF said it began operations in Yaroun to counter the activity of Hezbollah forces there, including rocket launches from the compound “multiple times” during the war. 

On Saturday, IDF Arabic Spokeswoman Lt.-Col. Ella Waweya said Israeli soldiers were in Yaroun, “working to remove threats and destroy the terrorist infrastructure established by Hezbollah in the area.” 

She said that one of the buildings on the convent, “which had no features indicating it was a religious building,” was damaged during the operations. Waweya also said that during the Iran war, “Hezbollah launched rockets several times from inside the complex toward Israeli territory,” which was the reason for the IDF operation in the complex. 

Waweya affirmed that the IDF is “committed to destroying the terrorist infrastructure established by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and there are no intentions to strike civilian infrastructure or religious buildings.” 

“After identifying religious indicators in the complex, the forces acted to prevent further damage,” the military said. The IDF also shared images from the complex showing that the main convent building – previously used to house several nuns – was not damaged, nor was a nearby statue of the Virgin Mary.

Reports in Lebanese media claimed that the entire compound was leveled, with some social media accounts sharing images of damage sustained in 2024, when the IDF struck the site after detecting Hezbollah rocket launches from the compound.

At that time, the military said Hezbollah was using the compound, which had already been abandoned by the nuns,

Gladys Sabbagh, superior-general of the Basilian Salvatorian Sisters, which ran the convent, told the Associated Press that the nuns left because of the war, after they heard a report that the convent “was destroyed by bulldozers.” 

George Deek, Israel’s Foreign Ministry envoy to the Christian world, dismissed the reports as “another lie.” 

“It’s happening again. Another lie about a monastery being destroyed. Rest assured. The monastery is intact and safe,” Deek posted on 𝕏. 

It’s happening again. Another lie about a monastery being destroyed. Rest assured. The monastery is intact and safe.

False stories about Israel are pushed fast, checked later, and used to paint Israel as uniquely evil. This pattern isn’t accidental. It’s deliberate.

And who… https://t.co/GcugbiQMIM

— George Deek (@GeorgeDeek) May 2, 2026

He said that those who published the unverified reports are engaging in “reckless and deliberate” behavior intended “to paint Israel as uniquely evil.” 

At the same time, the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon remains uncertain, as the IDF continues to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon within the Yellow Line. On Sunday, the IDF said it destroyed an 80-meter-long tunnel containing multiple rooms used by Hezbollah fighters, along with weapons caches.

צפו בתיעוד מדרום לבנון: כוחות חטיבה 401 השמידו תוואי תת-קרקעי באורך של כ-80 מטרים

לפרטים נוספים:https://t.co/A7UVDVMT50 pic.twitter.com/jsBf1D0exD

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) May 3, 2026

The military also said it had seized additional Hezbollah weapons as it continues clearing territory under its control as part of the ceasefire agreement.

The IDF released images of some of the weapons recovered on Saturday, including Kalashnikov rifles, machine guns, anti-tank missiles, ammunition, and other firearms.

🔍 DISCOVERED: Dozens of Hezbollah weapons intended for terror activity against IDF soldiers.

Weapons found:
- Kalashnikov rifles
- Machine guns
- Anti-tank missiles
- Magazines & combat equipment

Additionally, 2 armed terrorists were eliminated south of the Forward… pic.twitter.com/wCerMqkBfS

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 3, 2026

On Sunday morning, IDF Arabic Spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee issued another evacuation warning for residents in southern Lebanon. 

#عاجل ‼️انذار عاجل الى سكان لبنان المتواجدين في البلدات والقرى التالية: الدوير, عربصاليم, الشرقية (النبطية), جبشيت, برعشيت, صريفا, دونين, بريقع, قعقعية الجسر, القصيبة (النبطية), كفرصير

🔸في ضوء قيام حزب الله الارهابي بخرق اتفاق وقف اطلاق النار يضطر جيش الدفاع على العمل ضده بقوة.… pic.twitter.com/qqCdiS13mG

— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) May 3, 2026

“In light of the terrorist Hezbollah party's violation of the ceasefire agreement, the IDF is compelled to act against it forcefully,” Adraee stated. “The Israeli Defense Forces do not intend to harm you.” 

“Out of concern for your safety. You must evacuate your homes immediately and stay away from the villages and towns for a distance of at least 1,000 meters to open areas.”