Over seventy Irish peacekeepers unable to return to their posts in Lebanon following Israel’s invasion last month are stuck in their homeland. The unstable and hazardous conditions in Lebanon have restricted the return of the soldiers to Beruit, which is followed by a drive to their mission location at United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) in the country’s southern region, according to numerous military authorities.
The area continues to be a battlezone, featuring clashes between the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and the Lebanese militia organisation Hizbullah. With Israeli troops and military vehicles often in sight of Irish military posts, concerns about potential missile attacks by Hizbullah are escalating.
The 124th Infantry Battalion of the Defence Forces, which represents Ireland’s part in the Unifil operations, consists of 370 soldiers. Currently, less than 300 soldiers are present in the active area, partly due to a substantial number of personnel returning to Ireland on leave prior to the recently escalated conflict.
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The dearth of personnel has left the Irish Battalion short of their full strength by about 25 per cent. Military insiders, however, insist this shortage does not affect operational capability or security provisions, given the reduced pace of operations resulting from the Israeli invasion.
The remaining soldiers in Ireland are being held on standby by military management. They would serve as a swift response backup force, ready to be dispatched back to Lebanon should the situation take a turn for the worse.
One potential scenario under consideration is that this backup force may be needed to assist in evacuating the mission if the UN deems it necessary to pull out Unifil troops. Yet, military insiders believe this scenario remains considerably unlikely, with no plans currently in place for the evacuation of Irish soldiers from the mission area.
In response to concerns, the Defence Forces have assured that their battalion has been sufficiently provided with food and water.
Many soldiers currently on break in Ireland are keen on going back to Lebanon, even amidst the prevailing dangers. “They feel like they’re being left out of crucial operations and are anxious about their fellow troops,” an insider revealed.
The commanding officer of the battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Fox, was scheduled to have a temporary leave in Ireland. Nevertheless, due to the deteriorating safety circumstances, he chose to stick to the mission. His leave has now been called off for the second time.
In response to inquiries, a spokesperson for the Defence Forces indicated, “Directions have been given by Unifil HQ for all battalions to curtail their movements considering the continued emergency. Initial assessments of the supply route north of Litani to Beirut were conducted amidst the mounting tensions and it was concluded that the existing conditions aren’t suitable for large convoys to move.
Those personnel who are currently on leave have been asked to postpone their journey back to Lebanon and be ready to return when a safe travel window appears to take them back to the Irish base, UNP 2-45. These plans are being re-evaluated daily.”
On the other hand, uncertainty still lingers about the replacement of the 124th Battalion next month, at the end of their six-month tour. The 125th Battalion was scheduled to take their place in November, but the present security conditions could hinder the transition significantly.
Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, expressed this week that the decision on the rotation will be taken nearer to the due date and the substitute battalion is carrying on its usual training. “The circumstances will determine if the rotation can take place as planned. However, we will address the concerns as and when they crop up,” he stated, further adding that the soldiers are maintaining high spirits and showing remarkable resilience.