Irish Defence Forces planning in case conflict in Lebanon escalates

A photograph shared by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) which reported on Friday that two IDF excavators and one IDF bulldozer had destroyed part of a fence and a concrete structure in a Unifil position in Ras Naqoura, southern Lebanon. Picture: X/@UNIFIL_

The Defence Forces say they are considering several contingency plans if it becomes difficult to rotate Irish troops stationed with Unifil in Lebanon, but have declined to release details for “operational security reasons”.

Fears have been raised by some military sources that there could be a serious escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in the coming days and weeks.

They have told the Irish Examiner they are concerned that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is about to become “even more hawkish”, especially following the election of Donald Trump as the next president of the US.

In addition, Mr Netanyahu recently fired his minister for defence, Yoav Gallant, who was one of the most vocal members of the Israeli cabinet pushing for a ceasefire.

Mr Gallant, a former major general, has been replaced by Israel Katz, who has minimal military experience.

Statement:

Yesterday, two IDF excavators and one IDF bulldozer destroyed part of a fence and a concrete structure in a UNIFIL position in Ras Naqoura. In response to our urgent protest, the IDF denied any activity was taking place inside the UNIFIL position. pic.twitter.com/gQm02hjNTG

— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) November 8, 2024

It is believed that Mr Netanyahu will use this inexperience to his advantage as his right-wing backers push for more land grabs.

Irish positions in South Lebanon have recently come under fire from the Israelis and, to a lesser extent, Hezbollah.

The situation remains highly volatile and as recently as November 7, six Malaysian soldiers who had just arrived to take up duties with Unifil were injured in a drone strike in Sidon.

They were treated at the scene by medics, but one had to be transferred to hospital.

At present, it is anticipated that the 371 Irish troops currently serving in Lebanon will start to be replaced by fresh troops from the 125th Infantry Battalion next week.

The incoming battalion is expected, if all goes according to plan, to go out in two tranches, or ‘chalks’ as they are known in the military.

A photo shared by Unifil on October 29 after a rocket hit Unifil's headquarters in Naqoura, setting a vehicle workshop on fire. Picture: X/@UNIFIL_ 

However, that will be dependent on the prevailing circumstances at the time.

The Defence Forces press office said the anticipated rotation dates will occur this month “but are subject to the operational environment”.

A spokesman said that the exact dates “will be notified in due course but are subject to operational sensitivity”.

He added that the Defence Forces continue to monitor the fluid situation and have considered several contingency plans in relation to the rotation of its personnel in Unifil.

“The details of these plans cannot be shared for operational security reasons,” the spokesman said.

The 125th Infantry Battalion will consist of 371 Irish troops, while a further 10 personnel from the Armed Forces of Malta will accompany them on the Unifil rotation.

The Irish troops have been training for the mission since the battalion was formed on August 26 last year under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Shane Rockett, a native of Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary.

For 111 troops, it will be their first overseas deployment.

If their transfer is successful, they will join up with a group of Polish and Hungarian personnel in what will be collectively referred to as IrishPolBatt.

The battalion will be mainly located in Camp Shamrock, near the town of At Tiri in South Lebanon.

However, it will also deploy some small numbers of troops to outlying posts and to the Unifil Headquarters in Naquora.