As tensions boil over in the Middle East yet again, and Israel mounts an invasion of Southern Lebanon, the Irish government ought to reconsider its engagement in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the region.
Ireland has 340 soldiers in Southern Lebanon serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which according to the Irish Defence Forces, are in safe positions in bunkers for now.
Despite this initial assertion, Defence Forces soldiers have reported Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) fighting with Hezbollah near their main outpost, Camp Shamrock earlier todat October 2nd.
The presence of the IDF in the region must prompt a reconsideration of Irish participation in UNIFIL. Must Ireland risk the lives of its soldiers on foreign soil for the sake of Leinster House’s toy soldier diplomacy?
Leinster House should have demanded a withdrawal of Irish troops last year after the tragic killing of Private Seán Rooney by Hezbollah-adjacent militants.
The IDF have repeatedly and purposely targeted Irish military positions in the region. In 1987, Cpl Dermot McLaughlin was killed by an Israeli tank in what the Defence Forces have long considered a deliberate and unprovoked attack by Israel. For the safety of our soldiers they must be withdrawn, and for pride and honour of our nation, we should keep out of wars that are not ours.
As Israel once again up-ends the political stability of the Middle East, we must be conscious of the fact that we don’t want Ireland to be involved in the inevitable fallout, in any form. Migration, militarily or otherwise.
Ireland has enough problems already with the systemic failure to invest in our own domestic security.
There’s a case to be made for Irish foreign policy supporting either side of the Arab-Israeli conflict – they’re two opposing strategies for foreign policy and would align us with different camps in the world order.
The problem is we haven’t even committed to using our support for Palestine to leverage diplomatic influence with the Global South on issues of Ireland’s national interests. This is because we haven’t got a proper foreign policy strategy – or any conception of what our national interests in the world actually are, outside of “democracy” and “human rights.”
Given the incompetence and gullibility of the Irish government, a pro-Israeli foreign policy would be an outright disaster for our country, and would force Ireland to abandon its moral convictions, bringing us down to the level of dirty states whose national interests demand permanent chaos and discord.
The silver lining of Ireland’s foreign policy, and even our presence in the Middle East, is that it remains true to the ethos of practising moral virtue – in that sense Ireland’s foreign policy is not compromised, but is in a sick, naive way a truly honest, well-meaning form of humanitarianism.
We have in every circumstance acted in a foolishly selfless manner – it’s about time we do something for ourselves and withdrawing Irish troops from Lebanon must be the first step.
☘
The State of Israel should not be recognised unless it recognises the
State of Palestine.
Illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine and deaths of Palestinians by
illegal Israeli settlers are MURDERS.
Israel’s war in Gaza is Genocide,Ethnic Cleansing,Mass Murder and
Terrorism…it is not enemy focused…it is Mass Death and Destruction.
Israel’s premeditated bombing of remote devices in Lebanon is an act
of Terrorism,mass murder and Civilian Focused…not conventional war.
The UN and international courts have highlighted,condemned and issued
warrants for arrests…nothing’s changed the slaughter or massacre.
So yes,
If the UN does not withdraw troops from Lebanon…Ireland must.
If the UN/EU does not invoke trade sanctions…Ireland must.
Ireland also should cancel the White House visit (100yr IRL/US)
Should the UN continue to allow vetoed rights to countries that have
Conflicts of Interests in Gaza/Lebanon Destruction…IRELAND MUST WITHDRAW FROM UN SECURITY COUNCIL IN THE NAME OF
…PEACE…because all has proved until now that PEACE is un-profitable
If they’re genuine peacekeepers, those Irish troops must protect the Lebanese people from the Israeli invaders. The whole behaviour of the terrorist state is repellent – they are embroiling every country around them in decades-long wars.
In reply to the author, my very good friend – Ivaus@thetricolour and also to David Webb.
To the Author first, I can not agree with your conclusion nor the statement in the title above!.
While of course I see, understand and agree with most of the points you have made.
I genuinely believe that the removal of Irish Peace Keepers at this time, would be an absolute disaster for the Lebanese civilian population!.
It would also be a huge Green light for the IDF (Israelis), who have found such bully boy tactics worked just FINE!, since the 1980’s.
Camp Shamrock is indeed surrounded by the IDF!, as they attempt to apply further pressure on our Boys. But in my humble opinion, this proves the value of the Irish Peace Keepers in this situation.
Our guys are not mere soldiers, but for over 40 years, they have been and are currently ” The Single most trusted & honourable of all Peace Keepers inside of Lebanon” . Please forgive me, I was unable to find the name of the Lebanese Mayor who made that statement several years ago.
I also apologise to other nations present (Absolutely no offence meant!). My point is, the time to pull out our brave men has long passed, it should have been done earlier, IF that was the choice to do so!.
I believe our brave men would be most unhappy about being pulled now!!. As these men of absolute Honour, would feel that any and all loss of Civilian life, was due to this decision.
To Ivaus@thetricolour,
To my old friend Ivaus!!, greeting Brother, I hope you are very well!!.
While I Agree completely with 99 % of your statement above!.
I don’t agree that our brave men should be pulled at this time!, as the outcome would be, Frankly equal to the slaughter of Civilians in Gaza and the West Bank!, along with other reasons which I stated above!. God Bless Ivaus!!.
To David Webb,
Again, for reasons stated above, I am in complete agreement with you!. I very much doubt that the majority of Irish Peacekeepers would be happy about being removed at this late stage either!.
Of course as soldiers serving in the Irish Defense Forces, they would immediately follow any and All orders given.
But I mean on individual personal opinion, I feel the majority would be unhappy with a decision to pull them out now.
To conclude, Of course, I DO NOT want to see even one of our guys being injured, never mind murdered by the Israeli forces!.
That said, I doubt Israel would risk such an assault. As to do so would create a huge International incident, that neither Israel nor the United States can currently afford!!. US Democrats are dependent on the Irish American vote and such an incident would be tremendously costly!! with only weeks left!.
Not to mention that the South African, Italian, Spanish & even the German governments would be immediately up in arms for such a crime.
All mentioned apart from Germany, would immediately insist that the ICC enforce the criminal warrant placed on Netanyahu and frankly the Biden Administration would have no choice but to at least in part agree, as it would no doubt cost Harris the election! otherwise!!.
But then this is only the opinion of one old man.
☘ Tom
A heartfelt welcome to our friendly sage,you were missed but not forgotten, I hope all is well with you too.
I agree entirely with your position and respect to our Peacekeeping Brothers…I was dreading the worst outcome should they be added to
Israel’s Growing Collateral Damage.
Doubtful that the UN would booster the Peacekeeper Mission as a deterrent to this ” One-sided War” being waged by warmongering and indiscriminate bombing of innocent victims involving too many lives.
We need to do something…we all need to do something to put an end to a
disgraceful act of barbarism and terrorism…God Bless Tom ☘
I Agree my Brother!!,
Ivaus@thetricolour.
Indeed as time goes on,
I genuinely believe the decision by OUR IRISH HEROES was indeed the correct one!.
They chose to stay, God Bless each one!!. Real Irish Heroes!!.
I choose to take neither side in this conflict.
However, it must be clearly stated that Hezbollah (True to their word and their admiration for their Irish Brothers!! ), kept their solemn promise, not to engage in conflict, within or around the sites of Irish Peace Keepers! .
Sadly, I can not say the same for the Zionist regime, who on MANY Occasions now have openly attacked the observation tower, surrounding areas and vehicles of the Irish Peace Keepers!!, in and around Camp Shamrock!! . 👀
As a child who grew up in the late’60’s – early 70’s, in what was then known as little Jerusalem!! .
Bloomfield Avenue, on the South Circular road, in Dublin, Ireland .
Living directly behind the Jewish museum, less than 100 yards from the Synagogue and almost directly opposite a man who would become Israeli President! .
Can you possibly Imagine my absolute horror on seeing and hearing of direct attacks on Irish troops, serving at camp Shamrock!?!.
I can only conclude, that at least one party in this conflict, still believes in word of honour!!.
Still believes in paying back the kindness, love, respect and honesty shown by Irish Peace keeping forces!, from this little known island of Ireland.
Who have now served without bias, I REPEAT without bias!! & as honest brokers, for almost 50 years!!. 👀
Despite attempts by the American ambassador to create a civil war in Lebanon! .
Despite attacks by the Zionist regime and despite the huge loss of human life – Mainly Elderly, Women & Children!!.
One side in this conflict STILL respected the Irish Peace Keepers enough, to ensure they still abide by their promise!!.
NOT to in any way involve or put at risk, in any way!! , the Irish Peace Keepers!!.
God Bless the Irish Heroes!!.