Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
212. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence the mandate of Ireland's participation in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in the Lebanon; her views on whether the mission has succeeded in any of its aims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31709/26]
View answerThe United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established on 19 March 1978 following the invasion of Lebanon by Israel.
Ireland’s participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is mandated by the UN Security Council, underpinned by Resolution 1701 (2006) and subsequent renewals, most recently by Resolution 2790 which extends the operational mandate to 31 December 2026, with a drawdown and withdrawal by end of December 2027.
UNIFIL’s core tasks include monitoring the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in deploying throughout southern Lebanon, assisting the Government of Lebanon in ensuring that the area south of the Litani River is free of unauthorised armed personnel and weapons, and facilitating humanitarian access and the return of displaced civilians.
Ireland has been continuously deployed to UNIFIL since 1978. Ireland’s participation is underpinned by a UN mandate and participation is approved by Government and Dáil Éireann, operating fully within the framework of the triple lock. Ireland is the only nation to have a continuous presence on UN and UN mandated peace support operations since 1958.
The presence of the UNIFIL mission is vital to maintaining peace and security, providing support to the Lebanese Government and stability in the wider region. While the security situation in southern Lebanon remains fragile and has deteriorated at periods, UNIFIL has played an important stabilising role over many years. The mission has contributed to maintaining relative calm along the Blue Line, provided an essential liaison mechanism between the parties, supported the capacity and presence of the Lebanese Armed Forces in the south of the country, and delivered humanitarian and civil assistance to local communities. These activities have helped to reduce the risk of escalation and have supported regional stability, albeit within a complex and challenging operating environment.
The Government recognises that UNIFIL operates under significant constraints and that enduring peace in the region can only be achieved through the provision of continued international support to Lebanon. Ireland remains of the view that UNIFIL continues to serve a valuable purpose and that the presence of UN peacekeepers provides an important stabilising influence at a time of heightened regional tension.
Furthermore, Ireland's participation in UNIFIL has made a meaningful contribution to efforts to support peace, security and stability in southern Lebanon and the wider region. Immediately prior to the current outbreak of conflict in March, the Irish battalion conducted operational tasks on a daily basis, which included the provision of security, vehicle and foot patrols, checkpoints, establishing and occupying temporary observation posts and liaison/engagement with local leaders and cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces deployed in the UNIFIL area of operation in carrying our joint operations. Currently, under UNIFIL Headquarter guidance, UNIFIL continues to conduct limited framework operations, ensuring the necessary and appropriate force protection measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of personnel.
In conclusion. Ireland remains strongly committed to peacekeeping and to the principles of multilateralism and international law. The Government keeps Ireland’s participation in all overseas missions, including UNIFIL, under ongoing review in light of the security situation, the mission mandate, and the safety and welfare of Defence Forces personnel.
