Taoiseach Simon Harris has said the position of Irish Defence Forces troops in Lebanon is being carefully monitored, after a major escalation in the region at the weekend. 

Over 100 Israeli fighter jets launched what it called ‘preemptive strikes’ in Southern Lebanon, shortly before the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah fired hundreds of missiles towards Israel's Northern border.

Irish soldiers sheltered in bunkers and 'all are accounted for'. 

Mr Harris called for de-escalation in the region. 

“From an Irish point of view, we’re very carefully monitoring the situation to the UNIFIL mission,” he said. 

“Both our Defence Forces and UNIFIL headquarters are monitoring the wellbeing of our peacekeepers. 

“We’ve been informed that they are all safe, that they are secure and accounted for - and of course, that’s important that we continue to monitor this.”

I have been briefed by the Chief of Staff on events that occurred overnight between Hezbollah & Israel.

He has been advised that while Irish personnel serving in UNIFIL have taken shelter in secured bunkers overnight, all are safe and accounted for. (1/2)

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 25, 2024

Mr Harris said the region needs “stability” and not more conflict. 

“It’s really important that we see a de-escalation in relation to tensions,” he said. 

“The Middle East needs stability, certainly not an escalation of violence - we need to see a cessation of violence, not more. 

“Ireland joins with the UN and others in calling for all sides to de-escalate the violence.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs “strongly advises” all Irish citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as they can.

Main image:: Irish UN peacekeeper soldiers in south Lebanon. Picture by: AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari.