Micheál Martin, the Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland, has strongly encouraged Irish nationals residing in Lebanon to depart through accessible commercial ways, amid intensifying political unrest at the border shared by Israel and Lebanon, with an impending war scare. Martin, who also fulfils the role of Foreign Affairs Minister, divulged that the department has been preparing extensively to confront any probable formula of consular disasters owing to the ongoing situation in Lebanon, with Hizbullah insurgents and Israeli military forces at odds.
Martin elucidated that any evacuation procedure involving civilians, which includes Irish nationals in Lebanon, would likely entail a multifaceted and challenging operation, demanding significant collaboration with key partners. There is a meticulous collaboration effort put forth by the department with partners across the European Union, and corresponding partners in the UK, especially around potential evacuation situations, Martin mentions.
He also stated that Ireland would refrain from presenting a second officer for the EU commissioner candidacy given a call for gender equilibrium, as stated by Harris. It is estimated that around 100 Irish nationals, including their dependants, reside in Lebanon. The majority of these have been residing in the country for an elongated period and have expressed no plans of departing unless the situation takes a drastic turn for the worse. It’s worth mentioning that Irish military personnel assigned in UNIFIL through UN assignment tasks are not incorporated within this count, as mentioned by Martin in his explanation to Cathal Berry, a Central parliamentary representative in Kildare South and an ex-army captain himself.
Berry expressed these concerns in light of the progressing war risk, and recent statements from Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Gallant has warned about Israel’s military prowess, which could plummet Lebanon into a primitive state if a war breaks out with the Hizbullah insurgents, although he accentuated a diplomatic resolution is his government’s preferred method.
Upon being questioned about any contingency strategy planned for deploying an Air Corps aircraft, registered on the military roster, incase civilian airspace in Beirut becomes limited to military aircraft exclusively, Martin indicated that their aircraft procedures would be severely constricted if the situation deteriorates further. As per the Deputy Prime Minister, this would translate to a battle zone quite rapidly, if a war between Israel and Hizbullah ensued.
In summation, Martin said that the heightened concern and potential for a drastic situation is understood by all, and appealed to both sides to de-escalate.
“There’s been a tragic amount of loss of life and devastation, with the brunt often carried by the vulnerable civilians, particularly women and children. Now is not the time for Lebanon to be drawn into warfare. Collaborative efforts are in progress involving the United Kingdom and other EU partners to facilitate the safe evacuation of our compatriots.”
He continued, explaining that the Cypriot administration has devised a strategy for serving as a ‘transfer point for individuals escaping from Lebanon who originate from other nations. This includes agreements made with the UK and an array of countries. Our approach will be systematically organised.”