Israel’s claim that a ceasefire deal to end the war in the Middle East does not include Lebanon must be immediately condemned by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson.
Senator Stephenson said:
“Ireland has a long history of peacekeeping in Lebanon through our Defence Force’s participation in UNIFIL.
“Despite last night’s ceasefire between the United States and Iran, the Israeli government has said it will continue its campaign of terror in Lebanon, violating countless international laws.
“Despite this outrageous development, there has not been a statement from the Taoiseach or Tánaiste on this matter – they must speak up for Lebanon and make our position clear.
“Our troops remain under significant pressure in Lebanon, which has developed into a warzone as Israel relentlessly escalates its aggression. It is clear that Israel views Lebanon like it views Gaza – a territory to be occupied and controlled. We must not allow this humanitarian crisis to intensify.
“On Sunday, at least 11 people were killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon, including a four year-old child while more than one million people have been displaced. The developing parallels to Israel’s genocide in Gaza are terrifying.
“Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has brazenly made these comparisons himself, saying that Israel should move its border with Lebanon up to the Litani River, comparing the crossing to the so-called Yellow Line in Gaza.
“The Government must make it immediately clear that Lebanon must be included in this ceasefire deal and that Israel must immediately end its occupation and decimation of Lebanon.
“The Taoiseach must raise this issue at EU level, as well as push for long-overdue sanctions against Israel for its genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, violence in the West Bank, and warmongering in Lebanon.”
April 8th, 2026