IDF Video Shows Rockets Strike Saint George's Church in Southern Lebanon; Military Blames Hezbollah

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday released footage showing rockets striking Saint George's Orthodox Church in the Christian town of Marjaayoun in southern Lebanon. The IDF said the projectiles were launched by Hezbollah and emphasized that no Israeli soldiers were operating in the area when the attack occurred.

What the footage shows

Military video released by the IDF shows at least one projectile hitting the church building, with additional impacts recorded in nearby areas of the town. The army said the strike demonstrates how Hezbollah's actions put Lebanese civilians at risk.

"This incident further proves how Hezbollah continues to endanger and harm Lebanese civilians," the IDF said.

Public Reaction and Poll Data

The strike comes amid renewed debate in Lebanon about the role and arms of Hezbollah. A poll first published by Lebanese outlet Al-Jadeed on May 18 found that a majority of respondents — 58% — supported efforts to remove Hezbollah's military capabilities following Beirut's decision to legislatively ban weapons held by non-state actors.

Hezbollah rockets strike a church in southern Lebanon, May 29, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

According to the survey, support and opposition were sharply divided along religious lines:

• 89% of Orthodox Christians supported disarming Hezbollah
• 87% of Maronites supported disarming Hezbollah
• 77% of Druze respondents supported disarmament
• 88% of Shi'ite respondents opposed disarmament
• 70% of Sunni respondents opposed disarmament

The IDF's characterization that Hezbollah fired the rockets reflects the military's statement; independent verification of the attack's perpetrator was not included in the IDF release. The incident feeds into broader national and regional tensions over armed non-state actors in Lebanon.

Report contribution: Danielle Greyman-Kennard.