Irish troops 'safe' and will remain in Lebanon - Tánaiste

02 Oct 2024, 07:45 · RTE.ie

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said that Irish troops serving with UNIFIL will remain in Lebanon, adding that "they are safe".

There are 379 Irish Defence Forces personnel serving with UNIFIL in the country.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Martin said that movement across Lebanon right now would be dangerous, adding that the troops there are now the eyes and ears of the international community.

While he said Irish troops will remain in Lebanon, different scenarios are being examined and reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Mr Martin said priority supplies had been sent in advance of the recent escalation in violence.

He was speaking after Iran launched missiles towards Israel in response to consistent Israeli attacks on Lebanon and a ground incursion on the southern Lebanese border.

"We want de-escalation", the Tánaiste said.

"I think we've seen in other conflicts around the world in the past, where unilateral, sudden exodus of United Nations peacekeepers can lead to a far more deteriorated situation for the civilian population in given areas.

"We have professional soldiers who have been trained for situations like this. They are safe."

Mr Martin said many Irish citizens have registered with the Irish embassy in Cairo, but many do not want to leave.

"Many are deeply rooted in Lebanon, so there's been a reluctance to leave up to now."

"Our numbers are nowhere as high as other countries", he said, adding "we are working with colleagues in other countries."

Mr Martin said Ireland would assist in any given scenario, but it will be an international operation to evacuate.

Irish citizens have been advised for several weeks to leave Lebanon over fears Beirut airport would be damaged.