Government approves the Defence Forces’ continued participation in UNIFIL in line with mission drawdown

The Government today (26 May 2026) approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) through to the planned conclusion of the mission’s mandate.

UNIFIL’s operational mandate is currently scheduled to conclude on 31 December 2026, with a subsequent drawdown and withdrawal phase expected to take place in 2027.

Welcoming the decision, the Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, said:

“Ireland has made a significant and highly valued contribution to UNIFIL since 1978. This decision ensures that we continue to fulfil our commitments through the mission’s final operational phase, while also supporting a safe and orderly withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces.

“Today’s decision provides for the continued deployment of Defence Forces personnel with UNIFIL until 31 December 2026 and to maintain a presence in theatre beyond this date in order to support the safe, orderly and coordinated withdrawal of personnel and equipment during 2027.

“The safety and security of our personnel remains our paramount priority, particularly given the current volatile and unpredictable situation in the region.”

Ireland’s contribution to UNIFIL will remain at approximately 350 personnel for the duration of 2026. This includes an Infantry Battalion as well as personnel serving at UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura and at Sector West Headquarters in Shama.

The 128th Infantry Battalion rotation is currently ongoing, replacing the 127th Infantry Battalion as part of the normal rotation cycle, and is scheduled to be fully completed tomorrow.

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, added:

“This year will bring an almost 5-decade legacy of operations in UNIFIL, to a close for Óglaigh na hÉireann.

I have full faith in Lt Col Carroll and the 128th Infantry Battalion in executing the mandate, with professionalism, amidst the high volatility of the region.

Our Army personnel are trained to the highest standard and equipped with the necessary force protection measures to enable them to operate in conflict zones and mitigate the risk, while doing so. Our role in UNIFIL is more important now, than ever, as we act as the eyes and ears of the international community.

The Defence Forces plans to transition to a drawdown and withdrawal phase in 2027 as UNIFIL closes, with force protection of our deployed personnel remaining the highest priority throughout.”

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. The 128th Infantry Battalion in UNIFIL comprises of approximately 350 personnel.

UNIFIL

• On 28th August the UN Security Council renewed the UNIFIL mandate to the end of 2026, with a period of one year of drawdown and withdrawal to follow in 2027.

128th Battalion

• Irish personnel continue to serve as part of a joint Irish-Polish Battalion, alongside troops from Hungary. Ireland acts as the lead nation, providing the Commanding Officer as well as the majority of personnel and key logistical supports.
• The Battalion is deployed in Sector West, with its main base at Bint Jbeil and forward positions along the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel.
• Ireland will continue to work closely with the United Nations, EU partners and international stakeholders as planning progresses for the conclusion of the UNIFIL mission, and to support stability in Lebanon in the post-mission context.

Defence Forces serving in the Middle East Region – UNIFIL, UNTSO AND UNDOF

• There are currently 367 Defence Forces personnel serving in the three UN missions in the region – UNIFIL (353), UNDOF (3) and UNTSO (11).