Micheál Martin accuses Israel of endangering Irish troops in Lebanon

The Irish troops are part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), which has refused the Israeli military’s request to vacate some of its positions in advance of Israel's ground incursion. Picture: X/@DefenceForces

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said Israeli military action in Lebanon “endangers and compromises the safety and security of Irish troops”, adding that the UN would not accede to Israeli requests for peacekeepers in the region to “pull back”.

The Irish troops are part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), which has refused the Israeli military’s request to vacate some of its positions in advance of Israel's ground incursion. As that incursion gathers force, Israeli troops are now surrounding a Unifil outpost, Maroun al-Ras, where some Irish soldiers are.

Hezbollah has now issued a statement saying it will not target Israeli forces near the base, and accused Israel of using human shields.

Micheál Martin, who is also the minister for defence, accused the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) of “reckless behaviour” as he said the safety of Irish troops is the “number one priority”.

On Monday evening, the Israeli military said it will soon launch operations on Lebanon’s southern coast — telling residents to stay off the beaches and fishers to stay off the sea for a 60km stretch along the Mediterranean.

Mr Martin said a controlled explosion carried out by Israel on a building nearby to where Irish peacekeepers are stationed in Lebanon damaged an outer protection barrier for Irish forces.

He said the UN had formally and publicly criticised the actions of the IDF and Israeli forces, but UN peacekeeping troops are not in a position “right now” to go out and protect civilians.

A man walks past a crater caused by an Israeli airstrike that hit a seaside coffee shop in Ghaziyeh town, Lebanon, on Sunday. Picture: Mohammed Zaatari/AP

“It’s peacekeeping, not peace enforcing,” he told RTÉ television. “The issue of the mandate is something continuously looked at in light of events.”

He said the UN has an important role now in terms of observation while there is a diplomatic push to get both sides to de-escalate.

The UN is committed to upholding its mandate

 “It’s not going to accede to the Israeli request to pull back. The security council renewed that particular mandate in August.

“The UN continually revIews the situation [...] We’re very concerned, the safety of our troops is number one priority."

Tonight, a spokesperson for Taoiseach Simon Harris said he has spoken to UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres, who has "assured the Taoiseach that the safety of Irish peacekeepers is of paramount importance and to the fore of his mind".

Mr Guterres said that the UN’s Force Commander and colleagues are "constantly evaluating the situation on the ground and that any necessary steps to ensure the safety of UN personnel would be taken". This would be done in very close cooperation with Ireland, a statement from the Taoiseach said.

"The Taoiseach reiterated it is unacceptable that UN resolutions and the Blue Line in Southern Lebanon have been breached and violated with IDF military activity.

"The Secretary General said he shared the concern and engagement between the UN and Israel is ongoing. He and the Taoiseach agreed to stay in close contact."

'Remain vigilant'

In a message on social media this evening, the Irish Defence Forces said it "can reconfirm that all personnel in Lebanon are well and accounted for, and remain vigilant in their mission areas". 

Situation Update on Irish Defence Forces serving with overseas missions in Lebanon for family members

The Defence Forces can reconfirm that all personnel in Lebanon are well and accounted for, and remain vigilant in their mission areas. The conditions are tough at the moment for… pic.twitter.com/U3Hst0dsWJ

— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) October 7, 2024

"The conditions are tough at the moment for all the UN troops, with limited movement from Groundhog positions. However, the Irish troops remain steadfast in their determination and resilience to fulfill the mission."

Reflecting on a year marked by escalating violence since the October 7 attacks, the Tánaiste added it was clear that an end to hostilities is needed.

“We are now witnessing Lebanon, with up to 1m displaced, about 2,000 killed and shock, terror and war across the land,” he said.

The obvious takeaway must be that we need an end to the war

The Defence Forces said Israel has recently breached the Blue Line (BL) in multiple areas, "raising significant concerns, particularly regarding the breaches near our Irish battalion posts”.

"These incursions have been accompanied by the establishment of a new military zone on the Israeli side, suggesting an intent to expand operations further,” they said.

"Additional incursions into other battalion areas along the BL were observed overnight, exacerbating tensions in the region.

"As engagements have shifted north of UN Post 6-52, movement has become severely restricted. Road access has been curtailed due to these military actions, leading to the recommendation that sheltering in place remains the safest option at this time.

“This is a fast moving and dynamic military situation, and it is important to have factual and accurate information, which our soldier's presence provides."