Tánaiste Simon Harris is to contact the Israeli government over what he termed as an “utterly inappropriate, utterly unacceptable” attack on Irish peacekeeping troops in southern Lebanon.
Earlier today Irish soldiers who are serving as peacekeepers in southern Lebanon came under fire near Israel’s blueline, while on a joint patrol with the Lebanese Armed Forces.
“This is the latest in a range of what I view as intimidatory behavior by the IDF [Israel Defence Forces] towards peacekeepers, or as we saw recently, Irish diplomats too. So this is not acceptable,” Mr Harris said.
Noting that today is International UN Day of peacekeepers, he added: “The idea that the Israeli Defense Forces would fire in close proximity and in the vicinity of Irish peacekeepers in the UNIFIL mission [UN Interim Force in Lebanon] is utterly inappropriate, utterly unacceptable.”
“Every country, every partner, has a duty to protect peacekeepers and to respect the mandate, the UN led mandate that our peacekeepers have,” he said.
The Irish Defence Forces said a number of small arm rounds were fired near the patrol.
The incident took place this morning close to the village of Yaroun, and involved a joint Irish UNIFIL and Lebanese Armed Forces patrol.
The patrol withdrew from the area, and there were no injuries to the personnel on the patrol, and no damage reported to the armoured vehicles they were operating from.
All personnel of the Irish contingent in Lebanon, part of the 126th Infantry Battalion, are reported to be safe and well.
The location is roughly 10km from the main Irish military base in Lebanon, known as 2-45 or Camp Shamrock. It is also 5km from an Irish base on the Blue Line, called 6-52.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that what happened was “completely unacceptable”.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, he said that the safety of peacekeepers carrying out their mandated duties must be respected by all.
The Defence Forces said that they continue to monitor the situation in southern Lebanon and are committed the stability of the region as impartial peacekeepers.
“We wish to remind all actors of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of UN Peacekeepers,” the Defence Forces said in a statement.
Mr Harris has been briefed on the incident.
Sinn Fein’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire described the incident as “very concerning.”
In a statement he said: “The IDF have no right nor basis for firing on peacekeeping troops. I am glad there were no injuries and hope the Defence Forces personnel are doing well. We are grateful for their service in the most challenging circumstances.”
He added: “There is a grim irony to the fact that this occurs on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. Yet another example of the disregard of the Israeli Government for law & international order. And a reminder of the risks UN peacekeepers face in the Middle East and elsewhere.”
Meanwhile, the Tánaiste has announced the renewal of Ireland’s UNIFIL mandate for a further 12 months.
“Ireland is proud to have been part of the UNIFIL Mission since 1978 with 30,000 personnel have served there to date.
“We are deeply committed to this vital mission, one that supports peace, delivers stability and protects the communities in southern Lebanon.”
