Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
337. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the up-to-date position on the UN investigation of a recent suspect chemical substance release near the Blue Line Demarcation; if any risk has been identified by the UN to Irish peacekeeping troops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12006/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to firstly commend the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann who have served Ireland with such professionalism and bravery during the course of their deployments to UNIFIL over the years.
The incident to which the Deputy refers occurred on the 2nd February last, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) advised UNIFIL in advance that they would be carrying out an aerial activity dropping of what they said was a non-toxic chemical substance over areas near the Blue Line. The IDF advised that peacekeepers should stay away and remain under cover.
Peacekeepers could not perform normal operations near the Blue Line along about a third of its length and were only able to resume normal activities after over nine hours.
I have been advised by the Defence Forces that there is an investigation ongoing by UNIFIL HQ, however findings or results have not been shared with troop contributing countries to date. The incident did not take place in the Irish area of operations. All Irish personnel are safe and accounted for and continue to carry out their mandated tasks.
I will conclude by reiterating that the safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces’ personnel is of paramount concern to the Government. Unfortunately, no mission is without danger, but I am assured that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure that safety of all Defence Forces personnel currently serving overseas.
