Irish UN peacekeepers on patrol in south Lebanon came under fire from Israeli forces near the bombed-out village of Yaroun, it has emerged.
The incident, which occurred around midday, involved members of the 126th Infantry Battalion of the Irish Defence Forces, who were patrolling with soldiers from the Lebanese Armed Forces along the Blue Line — the demarcation boundary between Lebanon and Israel.
Sources have told Sky News that “containing shots” were fired from an Israeli position on either side of the joint patrol, effectively halting their movement. There were no injuries reported.
In a statement, the Defence Forces confirmed:
“The Defence Forces can confirm that they have received reports of an incident this morning involving a joint Irish UNIFIL and Lebanese Armed Forces patrol near the Blue Line in South Lebanon.
“A number of small arms rounds were fired in the vicinity of the area in which the patrol was operating. The patrol withdrew from the area, and there were no injuries to personnel or damage to the armoured vehicles they were operating from.”
Officials said all Irish personnel involved are safe and unharmed.
“All personnel of the Irish Contingent in Lebanon are reported to be safe and well. They continue to monitor the situation in Southern Lebanon and are committed to the stability of the region as impartial peacekeepers.”
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris, expressed concern following the attack.
“I want to firstly send my best wishes to the Irish Defence Forces personnel affected in today’s incident. While I am very pleased to report that all personnel are safe and well, the fact they came under fire while on patrol is deeply worrying,” he said.
He also noted the timing of the incident, which coincided with International UN Peacekeepers’ Day, and announced Ireland’s renewed commitment to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
“Today’s incident illustrates the dangers that our peacekeepers face every single day while on patrol in a region that has become increasingly unstable and volatile.
“Ireland is proud to have been part of the UNIFIL Mission since 1978, with 30,000 personnel having served there to date. We are deeply committed to this vital mission — one that supports peace, delivers stability, and protects the communities in Southern Lebanon,” he added.
UN peacekeepers have operated in Lebanon for decades amid rising tensions along the border, particularly in recent months. Irish troops play a key role in monitoring ceasefire agreements and maintaining stability in the region.
