Hundreds of Irish peacekeepers are working as normal – despite being caught in the middle of a bloody battle between Israel and Hezbollah, the Defence Forces have said.
“Óglaigh na hÉireann are steadfast in our commitment to promoting peace and stability in Lebanon,” The Defence Forces said.
“We will continue to work diligently alongside our international partners, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, to fulfil our mandate and contribute to a safer and more secure environment for all.”
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More than 350 Irish soldiers are battling to keep the peace on the front line between Israel and southern Lebanon as part of two United Nations missions there – UNTSO and the larger UNIFIL force. But the area where most of the Irish operate is right on the so-called Blue Line – a de facto border between the two states that has seen a huge amount of attacks from both sides for almost a year.
Fighting erupted between Islamic group Hezbollah and Israel on 8 October last year – a day after Gaza-based Hamas attacked the Jewish state further south, killing more than 1,200 people. Israel immediately launched an onslaught on Gaza and killed almost 40,000 people - and Hezbollah then started attacking northern Israel on the Lebanese border to draw attention away from the attack on Hamas.
That tit for tat battle has continued practically every day since, with Hezbollah launching thousands of rockets and missiles – and Israel attacking with fighter jets and artillery. And one of the parts of southern Lebanon most affected is the Irish area of operations – where our Blue Helmets mount patrols every day, despite the ongoing violence.
Now, in a statement issued on Monday night, the Defence Forces conceded there were heightened tensions in the area – but said our soldiers were safe.
The Defence Forces said: “In light of the heightened tensions in Lebanon, Óglaigh na hÉireann wish to reassure the public that our personnel stationed there as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) are safe and continue to conduct essential peacekeeping operations.
“Óglaigh na hÉireann is in constant contact with relevant stakeholders with regard to the ongoing situation in South Lebanon, which includes daily contact with our personnel deployed as part of UNIFIL and UNTSO. Óglaigh na hÉireann is also closely monitoring all developments, both political and in respect of the security in the wider theatre of interest that may impact on the situation in South Lebanon.
The statement said that Irish soldiers from the 124 Infantry Battalion on UNIFIL duties continue to mount peacekeeping patrols in the area. But it added: “From time to time, prudent and additional force protection measures will be followed, such as wearing of helmets and body armour or taking shelter in bunkers.
“This is something our soldiers have prepared for, rehearsed, and do as a matter of routine now. These force protection measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of our personnel, and these measures are continually reviewed and enhanced as necessary to address any emerging threats.
“We remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our troops, ensuring they are well-protected and able to perform their duties effectively. Our personnel are highly trained, professional, and have undergone rigorous preparation to effectively handle the challenges that come with peacekeeping in this volatile region.”
The statement said morale among the troops was high – despite the risks. And it added: “The troops are getting on with their job in good spirits and a positive attitude reflective of the Defence Forces ethos and values.
“The wider Defence Forces are very proud of their professionalism and their culture of operational excellence in challenging circ*mstances. Despite the current tensions, our mission remains unchanged. Óglaigh na hÉireann are steadfast in our commitment to promoting peace and stability in Lebanon.”
Some 340 Irish are part of UNIFIL, with another 12 officers serving with UNTSO, which is an unarmed observer mission.
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