Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) of Ireland, has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for undermining the United Nations, particularly in light of recent calls for the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) has been stationed in the region since 1978, with Irish Defence Forces being a significant contributor, having sent over 30,000 troops over the years. Most Irish troops are based at Camp Shamrock, located in southern Lebanon, where they continue to operate amidst rising tensions.
Recently, Irish troops defied Israeli orders to withdraw from their post near the Lebanon border. Martin, who was attending a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, emphasized that Netanyahu’s actions are eroding the credibility of the United Nations and its peacekeeping operations.
He argued for a robust international response to uphold the rules-based order that the UN represents, highlighting the critical role of peacekeepers in maintaining stability in conflict zones.
The situation escalated further when Israeli tanks reportedly encroached upon Unifil’s positions, leading to injuries among peacekeepers due to smoke and other irritants. While Israel claimed the incursion was necessary to evacuate soldiers wounded by an anti-tank missile, Martin accused the Israeli government of attempting to eliminate the monitoring presence of Unifil in southern Lebanon.
Irish Tánaiste Criticizes Netanyahu for Undermining UN Peacekeeping Efforts in Lebanon
He expressed concern that these actions would compromise the integrity of UN peacekeeping missions, stating, “We cannot have an undermining of the status or credibility of the United Nations.”
In response to these tensions, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have defended their orders for peacekeepers to vacate combat areas, stating that remaining in such zones poses dangers to their safety. An IDF spokesperson insisted that Unifil is not their enemy but suggested that peacekeepers should leave for their own protection.
The ongoing conflict has raised serious questions about the safety and operational capacity of UN forces in the region, particularly as they navigate the complexities of military engagements between Israel and groups like Hezbollah.
Amid these developments, Irish leaders, including Taoiseach Simon Harris, have called for the protection of Irish peacekeepers and denounced any deliberate attacks on Unifil positions as violations of international law.
Harris advocated for an immediate ceasefire in the broader context of the escalating violence, emphasizing the need for humanitarian considerations. He urged EU states to take a more definitive stance in support of UN peacekeeping forces, highlighting the moral imperative to protect civilians and ensure the integrity of international peacekeeping efforts.
