Irish peacekeeping outposts in Lebanon 'breached' by Israeli forces, says Tánaiste

Tánaiste Micháel Martin has said he is "deeply concerned at the escalation of violence in Lebanon", as Israeli forces have "breached" the Blue Line area.

The Blue Line area divides Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights, and contains 25 outposts, two of which come under Irish command in the United Nations Interim Force Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Israeli Defence Forces have breached the Blue Line in several areas since beginning their "limited ground incursion" against the Hezbollah militant group, including at the Irish Battalion posts, which the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence called "an unacceptable violation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701".

In a statement released this Saturday afternoon, Minister Martin said that he is in "constant contact with our military leaders".

Approximately 30 Irish soldiers operate from the Irish outposts, and they are currently "operating under what is known as level 3 which means they are to shelter in place and remain in bunkers", according to the Tánaiste.

"Importantly they continue to monitor and report violations of UN resolutions. The situation is undoubtedly very challenging for them," he continued.

"There is constant communication between Camp Shamrock and the outpost and I have been advised that morale is good, despite the circumstances.

"Our concern is for all who are impacted by the conflict, but at this moment we are particularly concerned for the welfare of our troops on the ground."

Up to 24 Irish citizens have been evacuated from Lebanon since Israeli forces began their incursion.

The Tánaiste said he has spoken with the UN Under-Secretary-General responsible for UN Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who "shares my concerns over the IDF activity in the region and stressed the importance of UNIFIL peacekeepers remaining in place."

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"Peacekeeping is the most noble act that any person can perform, and our troops are honouring the best traditions of UN peacekeeping."

"In that context there is an obligation on Israel and Hezbollah to respect the role of UN peacekeepers, their mandate, and do nothing that would put peacekeepers and our troops in particular in harm’s way."