Tánaiste to review Defence Forces personnel deploying to UNIFIL
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From: Department of Defence
- Published on: 31 October 2025
- Last updated on: 31 October 2025
The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, today (31st October) carried out the ministerial review of the 127th Infantry Battalion who will shortly deploy to Lebanon as part of the United Nations’ Interim Force (UNIFIL).
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence said:
As we now look ahead to the planned conclusion of the UNIFIL mission at the end of 2026, your deployment takes on an even greater significance. You will help bring this long and distinguished chapter of Irish peacekeeping towards a close.
These contributions, on behalf of the Irish people, reflect who we are as a nation, a nation that believes in compassion, in justice, and in standing with those whose lives have been upended by conflict.
These values, and the principles of the UN Charter, will remain at the heart of legislation to reform overseas deployments and reinforce Ireland’s ability to pursue an independent foreign policy.
Addressing members of the 127th Infantry Battalion, the Tánaiste said:
In recent weeks, we have witnessed a glimmer of hope in a region long scarred by division. The first phase of a peace deal to end the war in Gaza reminds us of the immense and transformative value of peace.
As you prepare to depart for Lebanon, know that you are part of that same mission of peace, a mission grounded in service, in humanity, and in hope.
You carry with you the respect of your families, your friends, and your country, as well as the gratitude of your government, and the pride of a people who believe in the work you do.
Soldiers from 30 counties around Ireland are represented among the contingent deploying to UNIFIL with 31 coming from County Westmeath.
In his concluding remarks the Tánaiste congratulated the members of the 127th Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Mark Lennon on their achievements to date and wished them a safe and successful mission.
NOTES:
OVERSEAS MISSIONS
Ireland has a long and well-regarded history of participation in overseas missions mandated by the United Nations since 1958. In that period, Defence Forces personnel have completed over 76,000 individual tours of duty in overseas missions.
UNIFIL
On 28th August 2025, the UN Security Council voted to extend, for a final time, the mandate of UNIFIL as set out by resolution 1701 (2006), until 31 December 2026, and to start an orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal from 31st December 2026.
Following the mandate renewal, the Tánaiste confirmed Ireland’s commitment to continue operations in the region in fulfilment of the Mission mandate until the end of the 2026, following which we will work with partners to ensure an orderly wind down of the Mission.
DEFENCE FORCES SERVING IN THE MIDDLE EAST REGION – UNIFIL, UNTSO AND UNDOF
There are currently 353 Defence Forces personnel serving in the three UN missions in the region – UNIFIL (338), UNDOF (3) and UNTSO (12).