Statement by Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin on the situation in Lebanon

I am deeply concerned at the escalation of violence in Lebanon, and the increased activity by the Israeli Defence Forces in the area of the Blue Line which divides Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights.

Two of the 25 outposts on the Blue Line come under Irish command in UNIFIL, and approximately 30 Irish soldiers operate from one of these outposts.

Over the past few days, the Israeli Defence Forces have breached the Blue Line in several areas, including at the Irish Battalion posts. This is an unacceptable violation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

In response, Irish personnel in their outpost are operating under what is known as level 3 which means they are to shelter in place and remain in bunkers.

Importantly they continue to monitor and report violations of UN resolutions. The situation is undoubtedly very challenging for them. There is constant communication between Camp Shamrock and the outpost and I have been advised that morale is good, despite the circumstances.

Our concern is for all who are impacted by the conflict, but at this moment we are particularly concerned for the welfare of our troops on the ground.

I have maintained constant contact with our military leaders and have held discussions with the United Nations and others. I have stressed the absolute need to protect our troops. I want to pay tribute to the bravery, professionalism and resilience of our soldiers.

Peacekeeping is the most noble act that any person can perform, and our troops are honouring the best traditions of UN peacekeeping.

In that context there is an obligation on Israel and Hezbollah to respect the role of UN peacekeepers, their mandate, and do nothing that would put peacekeepers and our troops in particular in harm’s way.

I am particularly conscious of the understandable concern and anxieties of loved ones at home, and want to thank them for their forbearance in what is a worrying time.

Arrangements have been put in place by the Defence Forces to ensure that families are kept informed.

There is regular contact with UNIFIL and the UN and I have again spoken with the UN Under-Secretary-General responsible for UN Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix. He shares my concerns over the IDF activity in the region and stressed the importance of UNIFIL peacekeepers remaining in place.

Hezbollah and Israel need to pull back from the precipice and engage in finding a peaceful solution, starting with a ceasefire.

The cycle of provocation, escalation and destruction is helping no one while delivering misery and death to more communities.

We need comprehensive de-escalation, a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages by Hamas and a surge in humanitarian aid to the region.

ENDS