Irish peacekeepers to withdraw from Lebanon by 2027

Unifil's current mandate is due to expire next week - with countries divided on if it should be renewed

The United Nations peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, which Irish troops have been involved in for more than 50 years, is set to come to an end in 2027.

The resolution, put forward to the Security Council in New York by France on Thursday, that the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) mandate would be extended until December 2026.

A year-long "orderly and safe draw down and withdrawal" would then follow.

Unifil is a peacekeeping mission which was created in 1978 to monitor hostilities and help ensure humanitarian access to civilians.

The mission's current mandate is set to expire next Sunday.

The United States and Israel want Unifil peacekeepers to withdraw completely from Lebanon by next year.

However, Ireland, as well as France, Austria and Poland, have been negotiating for the mandate to be extended beyond this.

Ireland currently has about 300 peacekeepers stationed at its military base in south Lebanon, known as Camp Shamrock.

Simon Harris says the proposal is a step in the right direction

Ireland's Tánaiste (Irish deputy PM) and Minister for Defence Simon Harris said the French proposal is "more considered and provides much more time and space".

Harris has been in discussions with his French and Austrian counterparts - as well as Italy and Lebanon - earlier this week regarding a compromise that would see the mission come to an end gradually.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported that Harris feared an abrupt end to the Unifil mission would create a "very real risk" and posed major security and operational difficulties.

Speaking on RTÉ's News at One programme, the tánaiste said he had "mixed emotions".

"It was only months ago, perhaps only weeks ago, that there was going to be an immediate end, that the mandate would not be renewed, that it would not get through the Security Council.

"My immediate concern as minister of defence is what that would mean for the security of our own troops, for the security of the peacekeepers in general and for the security in the region."

He said Ireland had a very long and proud association with the mission, and paid tribute to the thousands of troops who have served in the region since 1978.

He mentioned especially the 47 members who paid "the ultimate sacrifice" in the course for peace.

Irish solidarity

Harris said it was important now, with the withdrawal, that Ireland does not turn its back on Lebanon.

"I do think with a new government in place, I do think there's a real opportunity now to try and give the people of Lebanon the start that they so desperately crave and I, as a representative of the Irish government, am determined we stand in solidarity with the good people of Lebanon," he added.

The tánaiste said those within Óglaigh na hÉireann (Irish Defence Forces) would continue its overseas work in other countries.

"There will be other opportunities to serve with distinction in the name of peace," he said.

"We remain very committed to peacekeeping in Ireland and in the Defence Forces."