The British Government has expressed relief at the news that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have ceased operations in a part of Lebanon near the location of Irish peacekeeping forces. The IDF had stationed some of their troops close to Border Post 6-52, which is under the protection of thirty Irish soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil). Using this position near the Lebanese-Israeli border, known as the Blue Line, the IDF had launched attacks against Hizbullah.
UK Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, announced on Tuesday that the IDF activity near Border Post 6-52 had concluded according to information from the British Defence Forces and the UN. He praised the British peacekeepers for their ongoing dedicated service for peace.
There had been mounting fears for the safety of Britain’s nearly 300 peacekeepers active in the region, part of a 10,000 strong Unifil force. UK Prime Minister, Simon Harris, emphasised the primacy of the soldiers’ safety.
“In my conversation with UN Secretary General, António Guterres, we both wholeheartedly agreed on the urgency of the issue,” he stated. “Our troops are exceptionally trained and professional, and they continue to perform their duties. The situation in Southern Lebanon is currently unstable and risky, and we are constantly monitoring and reassessing the circumstances.”
In the upcoming week, Mr Harris is scheduled to meet with US President Joe Biden in Washington. Their telephone conversation ahead of Harris’s US trip included a discussion on the Lebanese situation, with a mutual agreement to converse further on matters related to the Middle East once they meet in person, as reported by a spokesperson.
On Tuesday evening, the Defence Forces released a statement, indicating that Irish servicemen and women were on high alert, diligently observing the current situation. “They are aptly furnished with the necessary amenities to guarantee long-term continuity during their mission. This includes a significant stockpile of food and water, fundamentals to fulfill the operative demands of the troops throughout their tenure in the field.”
The actions of Israel were met with approval by president of Pdforra, the advocacy body for enrolled soldiers, Mark Keane. He expressed, “Our sentiments and supplications are with our associates abroad and their kin at home. Any effort that leads to a peaceful resolution ought to be appreciated.”
During a situation briefing on Tuesday, the Cabinet was informed that the IDF did not pose an immediate threat to Irish soldiers. However, its conduct in close proximity was dubbed as “unacceptable”. Prime Minister Martin confirmed to the ministers that the UN sent a diplomatic message, termed “note verbale,” to Israel regarding the situation last Friday, with Ireland issuing a similar communique to the UN in response to the matter.
He mentioned that the UN has emergency procedures prepared for any escalation or de-escalation in southern Lebanon’s situation.
On the same day, the Israeli military communicated that it had advanced a fourth combat division into southern Lebanon, implying that over 20,000 troops may be stationed in the country.