Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2024
109. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he considers recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon to be a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40859/24]
View answerI am deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon in recent days, including continuing Hezbollah rocket fire on Israel, Israel's massive aerial bombardments and ground incursions across the Blue Line by the Israeli Defence Forces. This is a dangerous escalation.
In a recent statement I underlined that the recent breaches of the Blue Line are in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. A key component of the resolution is that there will be no foreign forces in Lebanon without the consent of its Government. Any incursion by the armed forces of one country into the territory of another without its consent or other legal justification is a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and may amount to an unlawful use of force contrary to the UN Charter.
International law limits the use of force in self-defence to no more than is necessary and proportionate to repel an attack or recover territory. Such limits apply in respect of Israel’s military actions as a whole, and not just its ground operations. I am very concerned at the scale of the Israeli military activities in Lebanon and the impacts on civilians and civilian property and infrastructure. I call on Hezbollah and Israel to comply with Resolution 1701 by ceasing hostilities and working towards a peaceful solution to the conflict. I also call on both parties to ensure full respect for international humanitarian law, including the protections applicable to peacekeepers.
