In the midst of its ongoing incursion into Lebanon, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has commanded Ireland to withdraw its peacekeeping forces from a station along the Lebanon border. This order was confirmed to have been made to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon’s (Unifil) headquarters and each participating nation, Ireland included. However, Israel was informed that the troops will continue their duties as usual.
There is a single Irish station, termed post 6-52, along the Blue Line – the border between Israel and Lebanon. This station is maintained by a solo Irish platoon, tasked with observing and notifying of any border breaches.
Heavy combat between the militant group Hizbullah and the IDF occurred early this week in this region, resulting in severe losses for the Israeli side. A portion of the battles occurred less than two kilometres from the Irish station.
The IDF’s warning for the peacekeepers to retreat indicates that Israel might be preparing for a more extensive invasion along the border, compared to its previous limited-scale incursions. The Irish Government has articulated to Israeli officials that matters concerning Unifil troops’ movements are the responsibility of the UN and its grounds commander. Unifil has declined Israel’s request to remove the troops.
As the fighting between Hizbullah and the IDF carries on, twenty-four Irish residents departed Lebanon on Friday. The Irish deputy head of government and Foreign Affairs Minister, Micheál Martin, informed that the departing individuals were aided by the Netherlands and Canada in two groups. They left via military and civilian chartered flights, following the Department of Foreign Affair’s advice that all Irish nationals should leave the country.
Micheál Martin reassured in a Cork press conference on Friday afternoon that any Irish residents wishing to leave Lebanon have been helped in their departure, and those choosing to stay are continually communicated with by his department.
The availability of more evacuation spaces was not taken up despite the increasing tension in Lebanon. Many of the 150 Irish citizens residing there elected to stay put. This stance, however, may change if the security climate deteriorates, according to Irish authorities.
“Despite the volatile circumstances, a significant number of our citizens have stayed on,” remarked Mr Martin. “They’ve lived there for a significant period and have established strong ties with Lebanon. As a result, they’re not eager to depart, and they haven’t been for some time now. We may have an extra individual, but we’ve effectively aided everyone who wanted to leave.”
Meanwhile, over 70 Irish peacekeeping soldiers on break during Israel’s Lebanon invasion cannot rejoin their unit. Because of the heightened risk, military personnel are unable to be flown back to Beirut and then transported to the Unifil mission area in the south.
Visible Israeli troops and armoured vehicles from Irish stations are causing potential fears of Hizbullah rocket strikes. The 124th Infantry Battalion, Ireland’s contribution to the Unifil operations, typically features 370 troops. However, fewer than 300 are currently operating due to a large detachment returning on leave prior to recent hostile activities.
Despite being about a quarter below its usual complement, the Irish battalion’s operational and strategic capacity hasn’t been undermined. This is largely due to the Israeli invasion slowing down the overall pace of work of the unit. Military planners intend to use the standby troops in Ireland as a rapid response backup force which can be dispatched to Lebanon if things escalate drastically.
There’s a potential that this backup cadre could be reassigned to support evacuation efforts if the UN chooses to pull out Unifil soldiers. However, insiders believe this is highly unlikely, and currently there are no arrangements in place for the Irish soldiers to leave their mission area.
Despite the looming threat, many soldiers on break in Ireland are keen to return to their posts in Lebanon. “They sense they’re being left out of the thick of things and are also concerned for their colleagues,” revealed an insider.
Lieutenant Colonel Tom Fox, commanding officer of the battalion, was slated to return back to Ireland during this period of leave rotation. However, due to the escalating insecurity, he chose to extend his mission stay. It’s the second instance where his leave break has been postponed.
A representative for the Defence Forces, in response to inquiries, confirmed that all battalion units have been directed by the Unifil HQ to limit their movements due to the deteriorating situation. Assessments of the supply route north of the Litani to Beirut were conducted at the onset of the escalations, with the conclusion that current circumstances do not favor the movement of large convoys.
Staff currently on leave have been requested to postpone their return trips to Lebanon, and to be at the ready until a safe opportunity presents itself for their return to the Irish headquarters, UNP 2-45. These plans are being evaluated every day.
Uncertainties linger regarding the replacement of the 124th Battalion next month when their six-month tour concludes. They are set to be succeeded by the 125th Battalion in November. However, the present security issues might significantly threaten the duration of this rotation.
In light of the recent situation, this week, the Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy stated that a verdict regarding the rotation would be determined closer to the scheduled time. He added that the substituting battalion continues its regular training.
“Conditions will dictate whether the rotation can be effectuated at that time. We will tackle these challenges when they surface,” he added, maintaining that the spirits remain high among the soldiers and that their resilience is incredibly admirable.