Last week’s decision by the United Nations’ Security Council to wind down the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon by late 2026 signals the end of a long association between the Irish Defence Forces and the United Nations’ Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL ) mission.
While this decision has massive potential to adversely affect the already fragile security situation in south Lebanon, at least a year-long withdrawal beyond the end of 2026 will avoid the immediate chaos that would ensue had the mandate not been renewed.
Immediate cancelation was pursued by Israel, with US support, but this has thankfully been averted due to the intervention of several countries, most notably France, which carries extra weight as a permanent member of UN Security Council.
Galway connexion
Ireland’s first military commitment in Lebanon began in 1958, when fifty officers were assigned to the United Nations Observer Group in Lebanon (UNOGIL ). However, our major role commenced in 1978, with the activation of UNIFIL, following Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon.
Some 32,000 tours of duty have been served by Irish personnel with UNIFIL. The current Defence Forces’ commitment consists of 348 members, including a large contingent from Galway, with 72 soldiers normally based in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, in Renmore, currently stationed in Lebanon.
This level of commitment has not been without a severe cost to Ireland. The Defence Forces has lost 47 members - more than any other troop-contributing country to UNIFIL. A significant part of this burden has been borne by Galway-based soldiers, with five losing their lives in the hills of South Lebanon. These men paid the ultimate price; striving to keep the peace in a volatile region of the Middle East, and their sacrifice must never be forgotten.
Since 1978, overseas service in ‘The Leb’ became an integral part of Irish military life. Daily routine in this historic and beautiful area of the Levant consists of long hours of observation, patrolling and manning checkpoints; living in spartan living conditions, and maintaining a constant state of alertness, as apparent calm can rapidly transform into a hostile and highly dangerous environment.
The manner in which Irish men and women have put their lives in danger to maintain a safe and secure environment for local people means close bonds formed between the community and Irish personnel. The names of villages, roads and wadis of south Lebanon have become part of the vernacular of Irish military life. Duty in Lebanon has been a central element for soldiers, sailors and airmen, and - of course – for their families.
Consequences
The implications of the decision to withdraw UNIFIL have serious consequences for Lebanon. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF ) will be the sole provider of security in southern Lebanon, once the UNIFIL mandate ends.
This will be an enormous challenge for the under-resourced LAF, especially without the current assistance of 10,500 UNIFIL troops. The absence of a substantial international force in the area means that future Israeli military operations in south Lebanon will not be restrained by UNIFIL’s presence. This was evident in October last year, when - despite intensive pressure during the Israel Defence Forces’ invasion of south Lebanon - UNIFIL held its ground, with Irish troops bravely to the fore.
The ending of UNIFIL’s mission means our Government will consider other potential deployments. Possible options include existing UN missions, deployment as part of an EU mission, or assisting a NATO mission such as KFOR in Kosovo, where Ireland currently has a small contingent.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, has proposed the formation of an EU-led international assistance mission to train the Lebanese Armed Forces. This would be similar to the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine, where European military forces, including Irish personnel, assist in the up-skilling of Ukrainian soldiers.
Minister Harris has also indicated that the Irish government may consider deployment of Irish troops to a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, if this is part of a negotiated agreement to end the war.
The peacekeeping efforts of the Irish Defence Forces in Lebanon, which involved the loss of 47 personnel, will forever remain an important part of Irish military history. Five were from among us, here in Galway. Future deployments will see the Irish Defence Forces add to this proud history: protecting the most vulnerable citizens of the world in areas of conflict.
GALWAY ROLL OF HONOUR
Private Stephen Griffin, 1980
Private Caomhán Seoighe, 1981
Lieutenant Aonghus Murphy, 1986
Corporal Fintan Heneghan, 1989
Private Billy Kedian DSM, 1999
Kevin Campion, a resident of Claregalway, retired from the Defence Forces with the rank of Brigadier General after 40 year of service, in 2025. He served on eight overseas tours of duty, including four with the Irish battalion in Lebanon, and one as a military observer there. His last tour of duty in Lebanon was as Commanding Officer of 45 Infantry Group.
