Statement by Tánaiste in response to UN Security Council UNIFIL Mandate Renewal

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Harris, has responded to the decision by the UN Security Council to renew the UNIFIL Mandate.

The UNSC today voted to extend the mandate of UNIFIL for a final time until 31 December 2026, and to start an orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal from 31 December 2026 and within one year.

Commenting today, the Tánaiste said:

“The Government has noted the decision of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to renew the mandate for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until the end of next year, after which the mission will be wound down.”

“The Defence Forces have participated proudly in this mission for over forty years and contributed significantly to stabilising the region during that time. 48 members of the Defence Forces have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace in Lebanon and we remember them and their families at this time.

“For the many thousands of Defence Forces’ personnel who served with UNIFIL, I want, on behalf of the Government, to express my appreciation and admiration for the commitment and professionalism during their service. That service binds together generations of service personnel for whom service with UNIFIL will be an enduring badge of honour.”

The Tánaiste added:

“I have long argued that the presence of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon is vital to maintaining peace and security, and providing support to the Lebanese government and the region more broadly. The situation on the ground is stable but fragile, as I saw for myself when I visited Lebanon earlier in the year.

“We have been engaging with European partners over the last number of months as behind-the-scenes discussions on the renewal progressed.

“I particularly want to acknowledge the efforts of France who, as penholders, led the negotiations on the UNIFIL resolution at the UN Security Council, during what was an often challenging process. Like Ireland, France also advocated strongly for mandate renewal.

“Together with military management, I and my officials have been anticipating a number of scenarios that might have emerged from today’s meeting of the UNSC.

“On foot of the decision now taken, we will 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.

“All the time, the safety and security of our personnel serving in UNIFIL will be of paramount importance to myself and to Government.”