Ministerial review ahead of penultimate Lebanon mission

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, carried out the ministerial review in Athlone of the 127th Infantry Battalion on Friday last (October 31), which will shortly deploy to Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL).

Soldiers from 30 counties around Ireland are represented among the contingent deploying to Lebanon, with 31 coming from Westmeath.

Speaking at the event in Custume Barracks, Minister Harris said: "As we now look ahead to the planned conclusion of the UNIFIL mission at the end of 2026, your deployment takes on an even greater significance. You will help bring this long and distinguished chapter of Irish peacekeeping towards a close.

READ: One local soldier's thoughts ahead of deployment

"These contributions, on behalf of the Irish people, reflect who we are as a nation, a nation that believes in compassion, in justice, and in standing with those whose lives have been upended by conflict. These values, and the principles of the UN Charter, will remain at the heart of legislation to reform overseas deployments and reinforce Ireland’s ability to pursue an independent foreign policy."

Addressing members of the 127th Infantry Battalion, the Tánaiste highlighted the recent glimmer of hope in a region long scarred by division.

"The first phase of a peace deal to end the war in Gaza reminds us of the immense and transformative value of peace. As you prepare to depart for Lebanon, know that you are part of that same mission of peace, a mission grounded in service, in humanity, and in hope."

Speaking after the Ministerial Review, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said it was a “really important and significant day" for the personnel of the 127th Battalion.

"They're fully prepared for the mission that they're going to undertake, and their families are here to see them off. [The troops] are going out in somewhat of uncertainty but a lot of background work has been done, and we now know that all of the personnel on parade today will deploy for the full six months of this tour duty, and that's a welcome for them and their families as they'll continue to deliver on all of the issues the mandate of UNIFIL over the next six months, and it's great to see them off with such pride and honour here today.”

The mission marks the second to last as part of the UN peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, with the first Irish troops to serve in the mission in May 1978 being drawn from the Western Command in Custume Barracks and served in Lebanon under the command of Comdt Ivor O'Hanlon.

READ: Local man is lead officer for the battalion

The mandate for the mission was extended until the end of 2026, with an agreement for withdrawal of troops by the end of 2027.

Lieutenant General Mulcahy explained: “In 2027, the mission will wind down, the operations will finish on December 31 of next year as we know, and UNIFIL will start a plan then to look at which contingents will withdraw in what sequence. That has only started now in UNIFIL, and we will be involved in that process.

"Our primary concern is for safety and security in that region, and we will work very closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces in the next year to ensure that they're prepared and ready to take over that mission. So that's our primary purpose for 2026."

Lieutenant General Mulcahy said that the mission has been an important tool of recruitment and retention for the Defence Forces, and that " Irish observers will still retain a presence in Lebanon".

He continued by noting that Óglaigh na hÉireann have a long and proud connection to the Lebanon, and Irish troops will continue to play a crucial role in peacekeeping.

"It's really important that at this crucial moment for Lebanon, the Lebanese Armed Forces are supported in every way and I hope Ireland can play a concerned role in relation to that. More broadly, who knows where the geopolitical environment takes us. What I do know is that Irish peacekeepers, Irish men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann continue to play a role in peacekeeping. We have such a proud tradition over such a long period of time. It's a reason that many people decide to join the Defence Forces, that proud legacy of peacekeeping. Let's see where the time ahead brings us."

Minister Harris said he was very conscious that this was a "poignant occasion" as the mission nears an end.

"It's a source of regret that the mission will come to an end, but we've always argued and advocated that it was important to avoid a cliff edge and we've worked very intensively diplomatically and militarily over the summer months to make sure that there was a period of time for the mission to wind down in an orderly way.

"The 362 men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann who will be deployed to southern Lebanon over the course of the next number of weeks, I want to thank them for their service on behalf of the government but also on behalf of people right across this country.

"I think we have a very special place in our heart for UNIFIL and we have such a proud tradition in Lebanon over so many decades and I want to thank all of those who are going on this deployment. I also want to think of their families and of their friends, particularly as you approach the end of the year this is a deployment that will be way over the Christmas period.

"I think 129 of those going overseas are on their first overseas deployment so I'm sure it's a day of mixed emotions for families, a day of a huge sense of pride in their love but also a sense of mixed emotions as you prepare for that time of course."