Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
164. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the current conflict in Lebanon and the increasingly destructive campaign being waged by Israel that has displaced over one million people; if they feel that the UNIFIL mission’s planned ending is premature; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23139/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned by the expansion of conflict into Lebanon following Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel, which Ireland condemns. Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel at the behest of Iran must stop.
Ireland also condemns Israel’s wholly disproportionate response. Israel’s aerial bombardment, ground action and widespread evacuation orders in both southern Lebanon and suburbs of Beirut, not only undermines the fragile progress made in Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, it has resulted in over 1,000 people, including over one hundred children, being killed and over a million people being displaced. These actions are in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
It is deeply disturbing to see Israel’s Defence Minister say that the objective is to treat south Lebanese villages and their population in the same way as Gaza and that the intention is to deny the possibility for displaced populations to return.
Ireland urges Israel to halt its military operations and allow the Lebanese Armed Forces to assert their role in providing security for Lebanon. I commend the Lebanese government for its decision to ban all Hezbollah military activity, as well as its efforts before the conflict to disarm Hezbollah and increase Lebanese army presence south of the Litani river. The constant bombardment and ground operations by Israel undermine these efforts.
We support calls for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. The Lebanese people have too long lived under the threat of Israeli action and the presence of Hezbollah.
Ireland has been a long-term supporter of Lebanon and the need to for peace and stability, which I reaffirmed to Foreign Minister Ragii in my call with him on 5 March. I was pleased to be able to announce €3 million in humanitarian support earlier this month to support those directly impacted by the current conflict.
The Irish Government remains firmly committed to sustaining the Defence Forces contribution to UNIFIL through to the end of the mission’s mandate in December 2026.
It is essential that all partners maintain their support to the Government and people of Lebanon during this period. We continue to engage with the UN and other partners on plans for the implementation of Resolution 1701 after UNIFIL’s withdrawal.
I recently spoke with Jean Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, about the situation in UNIFIL and the security of peacekeepers. I emphasised that attacks on UN peacekeepers must be met with full accountability. On 19 March, the European Council reaffirmed its unwavering support for UNIFIL and its fundamental stabilisation role.
Attacks against UN peacekeepers constitute a grave violation of international law, are totally unacceptable and must stop immediately. All Irish peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL are safe and accounted for, but operating in a difficult and challenging environment.
Ireland is proud of its long standing commitment to UNIFIL, which is making an essential contribution to the safety and security of Lebanon and the region.
