Israel says UN has failed in Lebanon border mission

An official at Israel's Public Diplomacy Directorate, which is part of the Prime Minister’s office, has accused UNIFIL of failing in its peacekeeping mission on the Israel Lebanon border.

During a news conference in Tel Aviv today, the Directorate said that the UN has been "wholly ineffective" and had not ensured that Hezbollah was away from the Israeli border.

"UNIFIL has failed in its mission" said David Mencer, he was responding to questions from RTE’s Drivetime programme.

Mr. Mencer went on to accuse the UN of forcing Israel to take action itself, "Because they that failed in that responsibility and because the UN has not upheld anything about 1701 we have been forced – despite much diplomacy over the last year – and despite the over 10,000 rockets, drones and missiles that we have received from Hezbollah, we have been forced to push Hezbollah up and away from our border."

A spokesperson for UNIFIL responded by saying that the premise of the peacekeeping mission is that both parties, Israel and Lebanon, want to fulfil the measure in Resolution 1701, on which the mission operates.

The resolution calls on both sides to support a permanent ceasefire and respect the blue line, an effective buffer zone between both countries.

The comments from Tel Aviv deepen a diplomatic spat between the UN and Israel. A UNIFIL source has said the issue will inevitably end up before the UN Security Council.

Proximity of Israeli forces to UNIFIL camp 'concerning'

A spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has said the proximity of the Israeli Defence Forces to an outpost where a number of Irish troops are stationed is very concerning.

The IDF are currently a few hundred metres from camp UN-652, Andrea Tenenti said.

"Because of the IDF placing their position close to our base, where there is intense shelling, at least last night, between IDF and Hezbollah. So this is definitely deeply concerning for the mission," Mr Tenenti said on RTÉ's Morning Ireland.

The UN comments come as new imagery obtained by RTÉ shows almost 20 pieces of Israeli military equipment have been located at a newly created firing position close to the UN post currently manned by Irish troops in southern Lebanon.

The close proximity of the Israeli position to the Irish UN troops has triggered high level concern within United Nations Headquarters, as fierce fighting continues in the area between Israel and Hezbollah.

At the weekend, President Michael D Higgins said it is "outrageous" that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has "threatened" UNIFIL peacekeepers and sought to have them evacuate the villages in Lebanon that they are defending.

In a statement, President Higgins said that Israel is "demanding that the entire UNIFIL operating under UN mandates walk away".

Efforts are being made in New York to directly deal with the Israeli permanent mission to the UN to get IDF troops to move from the area because their presence compromises the safety of UNIFIL troops, Mr Tenenti said.

Mr Tenenti, who is in Beirut, said troops at the outpost have supplies for a couple of weeks and a convoy has been organised to go to the area and attempt to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of troops.

There are 29 other positions that are based close to the blue line, he said, and he said they are also concerned for those troops from other countries.

Mr Tenenti said the IDF has asked the UN to stand down several of the peacekeeping outposts close to 'the blue line'.

The Blue Line is the 120km demarcation line, drawn by the United Nations, to which Israeli forces withdrew to when they left south Lebanon in 2000.

If the IDF refuse to leave the area, the [UN] Security Council will decide how to move forward, Mr Tenenti said.

A former Lieutenant Colonel with the Air Corps has said the Irish troops in UN-652 will be quite safe if they stay in lockdown position.

Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Lt Col Kevin Byrne said the Irish troops are in a precarious position due to the position of the outpost they are stationed.

However their equipment and accommodation are of a high standard, he said.

Lt Col Byrne said the electricity supply could become problematic because generators will need fuel to operate.

The troops may also need a re-stock of food soon, he added.

Taoiseach, Tánaiste call for end to violence on anniversary

The Taoiseach and Tánaiste have called for an end to violence in the Middle East on the anniversary of the 7 October attacks.

Taoiseach Simon Harris condemned the attack on Israel carried out by Hamas, saying it remained as "horrific and shocking as when it took place".

He said: "We cannot, and we will not, ever forget. Neither can we ever tolerate a world in which civilians are systematically subjected to the most brutal violence in their homes, or in which vibrant and peaceful young people at a music festival are terrorised, murdered and abducted.

"They are despicable and criminal acts, beyond any sense of humanity or decency. I condemn them utterly and without hesitation."

Mr Harris repeated his call for all of the remaining hostages taken on 7 October 2023 to be released immediately and without conditions.

He paid tribute to families and friends of those murdered, particularly 22-year-old Kim Damti, the Irish-Israeli woman who died at the music festival.

The Taoiseach also paid tribute to Emily Hand who was held captive for 50 days by Hamas.

"Those responsible for the acts of 7 October should be held accountable. We think also of the enormous loss of life and deep suffering that has marked the past year.

"Civilians' lives are of equal value. The suffering that comes from the loss of a loved one is the same, whoever we are."

"I wish peace, security and hope for the people of Israel, of Palestine and of the Middle East. We have a duty as leaders to honour the memory of those lost and to rededicate ourselves to creating a political process that can deliver a just and lasting peace," he added.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin also condemned the 7 October attack, describing the "horror imprinted in our minds".

However, he said it was "not possible to view this anniversary in isolation from the justifiable outrage at the death and destruction suffered by ordinary Palestinians" in Gaza in the past year.

The Tánaiste added that the violence must stop and a political process urgently start.

"I think today of the hostages still in Gaza and their families who desperately want them home. I call again for their immediate release," he said.

"I recognise the hurt and sorrow of the Israeli people, and of the Jewish and Israeli communities here in Ireland and throughout the world.

"I express our profound sympathy to all who are mourning loved ones brutally murdered, and think especially of the family and friends of Kim Damti.

"My thoughts are with Emily Hand and her family, wishing her continuing strength to overcome the trauma she and so many experienced."

The Tánaiste continued: "It is not possible to view this anniversary in isolation from the justifiable outrage at the death and destruction suffered by ordinary Palestinians in Gaza over the past 12 months.

"Ireland's position is clear and on the record. The violence must stop.

"There must be an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal, and a massive scaling up of humanitarian assistance into Gaza," added Mr Martin.

Additional reporting PA