Irish Defence Forces do not expect exodus as final UNIFIL deployment nears
A 294-member Irish contingent is preparing to deploy to southern Lebanon in November as the UN peacekeeping mission approaches its scheduled end.
Ireland’s Defence Forces do not expect an exodus of personnel when the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon ends, RTÉ reported on 20 October. The force is preparing 294 troops for what RTÉ described as Ireland’s final contingent deployment in November, making the mission’s end a question for both overseas commitments and staffing at home.
The 69th Infantry Group completed its Mission Readiness Exercise at Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow on 20 October. RTÉ reported that the training used scenarios troops could face overseas, including live firing and explosions. Nineteen women are among those scheduled to travel to Lebanon next month.
How troops are preparing for the Lebanon deployment
Private Muireann Cullen, preparing for her first overseas duty, stressed the importance of preparation, according to RTÉ. The broadcaster also quoted Corporal Leah Dolan describing her family’s pride and concern for her safety. Lt Col Brady said the Defence Forces plan for multiple eventualities and that training and investment in IMBAS body armour are intended to reduce deployment risks.
Irish troops still occupy two outposts on the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel, RTÉ reported. No decision has been made on the future of the Irish bases. The Defence Forces described the eventual withdrawal as an opportunity to reset and focus on national defence, while saying Ireland remains prepared to support future overseas missions.
When UNIFIL operations are due to end
The UN Security Council extended UNIFIL’s mandate through 31 December 2026 under Resolution 2790 (2025). Its plan calls for the mission to cease operations on that date, followed by an orderly drawdown and withdrawal within one year. RTÉ reported that the Irish force is expected to leave Lebanon entirely by Easter 2027.
More than 30,000 Irish troops have served with UNIFIL since 1978, according to RTÉ. The Defence Forces’ current expectation concerns whether personnel will remain in the force after that long-running deployment ends; individual retention decisions have yet to play out.
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Sources and context
- Defence Forces not expecting exodus after UNIFIL endsRTÉ News
- Security Council Extends UNIFIL's Mandate: Resolution 2790 (2025)United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
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