Defence Forces cannot be forgotten in Irish Gaza conflict decisions – Naughten

With one tenth of our army deployed in the Middle East at all times, Ireland must prioritise the safety and effectiveness of Irish Defence Force personnel in our diplomatic relations on the Gaza conflict, local TD Denis Naughten has stated.

Speaking in the Dáil last week on the proposal to expel the Israeli ambassador from Dublin, he pointed out: “At the forefront of our concerns is the safety and well-being of our citizens in Gaza, notably the case of young Emily Hand currently held hostage. Her plight and the safety of other Irish nationals in the region are of paramount importance.”

But Denis Naughten went on to point out that “it is imperative to bring to the forefront the critical role and safety of our Defence Forces personnel serving in the region”.

“Currently, Ireland has almost 500 personnel deployed in various peacekeeping roles. This remarkable commitment underscores Ireland's dedication to global peace and stability. However, in my recent discussions with Deputy Cathal Berry, who has first-hand experience serving with the Defence Forces in the region, it became evident that the repercussions of expelling the Israeli ambassador could be far-reaching.

“A reciprocal action from Israel, including the possible expulsion of our ambassador from Tel Aviv, could have immediate and direct consequences. Most notably, it could lead to the revocation of visas for the 11 Defence Forces officers who are part of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization, who are primarily based across Israel and the West Bank. Their removal would not only diminish our capacity to contribute to regional stability but also weaken our position in critical peacekeeping and conflict prevention efforts.

“The risk of an Irish UN post being targeted in retaliation increases in such a scenario, posing a direct threat to the lives of our servicemen and women. Additionally, the standing arrangement for higher-level medical care provided to our peacekeeping troops in the Israeli hospital in Tiberias may be jeopardised, affecting the well-being and medical support available to our forces.

“While we navigate these complex issues, our actions must be measured and our diplomacy, thoughtful. We must balance our commitment to international law and human rights with the practical necessities of ensuring the safety and security of our citizens and peacekeepers. Diplomacy and dialogue remain our most potent tools in achieving these objectives and must be pursued with unwavering commitment and strategic foresight,” concluded Denis Naughten