The United Nations Security Council will vote to extend the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate until the end of 2026, followed by a year-long safe withdrawal and transfer of duties to the Lebanese Armed Forces. UNIFIL, established in 1978, patrols Lebanon's southern border with Israel and operates under annual authorisations that currently expire on August 31. Negotiations resolved earlier proposals from the United States and Israel to remove UN troops next year, resulting in an extension beyond 2026. Ireland maintains about 350 peacekeepers in UNIFIL, and 47 Irish service members have died while serving in the mission. Concerns centered on security implications for peacekeepers, Irish forces, and regional stability if the mandate had ended immediately.
To be very honest, it's it's one of mixed emotion because only months ago, there was a very significant chance, perhaps only weeks ago, that there was going to be an immediate end, that the mandate would not be renewed, that it would not get through the Security Council. My immediate concern as Minister for Defence then was what that would mean for the security of our own troops, for the security of the peacekeepers in general, and for security in the region.
We have a very, very long and proud association with the Unifil mission and today, I want to pay tribute to the thousands upon thousands of Irish men and women who have served Oglaigh na hEireann and Unifil with absolute distinction. I particularly think today of the 47 members who paid the ultimate sacrifice, who lost their lives in the cause of peace, and I think of them and their families today with a great sense of gratitude for their proud service.
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