Ireland lodges formal protest after Israeli gunfire near peacekeepers in Lebanon

Irish troops unharmed after IDF opens fire near UN patrol in Yaroun; formal complaint issued through United Nations

Tanaiste Simon Harris authorised the formal letter of objection (Brian Lawless/PA)

Ireland has lodged a formal letter of objection with Israel after shots were fired near Irish peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.

The incident occurred during a joint patrol by the Irish Defence Forces, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), and the Lebanese Armed Forces near the Blue Line on Thursday.

None of the Irish personnel – recently deployed with Unifil as part of the 126th Infantry Battalion – were injured.

Óglaigh na hÉireann confirmed on Thursday that all personnel were safe and continued to monitor the situation in southern Lebanon.

At the direction of Minister for Defence Simon Harris, a formal demarche was delivered to the Israeli government through the United Nations.

Ireland described the incident, which took place in the village of Yaroun, as "completely unacceptable" in terms of the safety of peacekeepers and the execution of their mandated duties.

“These concerns are held at the highest levels” of the Irish Government and the Defence Forces, it adds.

Tánaiste Simon Harris was briefed on the incident by newly appointed Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Rossa Mulcahy.

Just before noon on Thursday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) opened fire in the area where the joint unit was conducting peacekeeping operations. No injuries were reported.

Mr Harris said: “It’s clear to me that the actions of the IDF were reckless, intimidatory, totally unacceptable and a clear breach of the international rules surrounding peacekeeping.

“I want to pay tribute to our personnel deployed with Unifil, who are operating in an increasingly volatile and tense environment.”