It is absolutely appalling that Irish Peacekeepers are being threatened and intimidated by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), according to Social Democrats Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Patricia Stephenson.
Senator Stephenson said:
“The latest incident of the Israeli Defence Forces firing on UN peacekeeping positions, and shining laser lights on Irish troops, is outrageous.
“Irish peacekeepers have been mandated by the UN to conduct their peacekeeping work in south Lebanon, a mandate which should be respected by the IDF.
“It is extremely concerning that Israeli troops, who were supposed to withdraw as part of a ceasefire in the area, have now reinforced their outpost in south Lebanon.
“Aggressive, threatening and intimidating behaviour towards UNIFIL and Irish peacekeepers is not acceptable and cannot be tolerated.
“Ireland has a long-standing and proud tradition of peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance abroad.
“Our troops are doing critical and courageous work in Lebanon, in an extremely unstable environment, and the IDF’s consistent intimidation tactics are a threat to that.
“This latest incident follows a consistent pattern of belligerent and dangerous behaviour by the IDF to peacekeeping troops. There has never been any serious censure for this reprehensible behaviour.
“Meanwhile, we are all watching in horror as a genocide is perpetuated by the Israel on the people of Gaza.
“At what point will the international community deal with the Israeli state’s lawlessness, and breaches of international and humanitarian law, and apply real sanctions?”
15th May, 2025