Martin seeks approval to send out 33 more troops
DEFENCE Minister Micheal Martin will seek approval to send an additional 33 members of the Defence Forces to Lebanon amid growing tensions in the Middle East.
Irish peacekeepers have been undertaking missions with the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 1978.
This includes two forward observation posts on the “Blue Line” between Lebanon and Israel.
At this morning’s Cabinet meeting, Mr Martin will seek approval for an extended and expanded mission for Ireland’s peacekeepers serving in Lebanon.
He will ask ministers to extend the mission for another year.
This will be subject to the UN renewing the mandate in August.
The additional Defence Forces’ personnel to UNIFIL would strengthen the presence of the Irish battalion and enhance the overall security of the troops amid the heightened threat level currently in the region.
Their duties would include force protection, as well as increased convoy security.
UNIFIL is Ireland’s largest overseas deployment, as part of a joint Irish/polish Battalion, including a contingent from Hungary and Malta.
Around 350 personnel from the 123rd Infantry Battalion are currently deployed in Lebanon.
They will conclude their six-month deployment in May and will be replaced by the 124th Infantry Battalion.
Tensions in Lebanon have increased in recent months as war continues to rage in the Middle East. Israeli strikes on Gaza continue following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
Lebanese group Hezbollah has also been trading fire with the Israeli military. Earlier this month, three UNIFIL peacekeepers were injured during a patrol in south Lebanon.