Fear and Uncertainty in Southern Lebanon as Irish UNIFIL Troops Prepare Withdrawal

KUNINE, Southern Lebanon, Oct. 16: Villagers in southern Lebanon are gripped by fear and uncertainty as the planned withdrawal of Irish UNIFIL troops draws nearer — a move they believe could leave them exposed to Israeli military aggression.

Local leaders have warned that the departure of Irish peacekeepers, who have served in the region for nearly five decades, could mark the beginning of a new conflict.

“Most of the people consider that the withdrawal of UNIFIL is the beginning of another war,”
said Khalil El Debek, mayor of Kunine, one of the 14 villages under the protection of the 389-strong Irish contingent deployed in the area.

El Debek’s warning reflects growing anxiety among residents who have lived through decades of instability along the volatile Lebanon–Israel border. He said the people of southern Lebanon, many of whom regard the Irish troops as part of their community, are deeply opposed to their departure.

“They will not accept that happening. The southern people consider the Irish soldiers as part of the community. They have lived with them since 1978 — it is a very difficult decision for them,” he said.
“Security and safety are more important than anything else. People will abandon their homes and jobs to seek safety elsewhere if UNIFIL leaves.”

Irish Commanders Share Local Fears

Lieutenant-Colonel Edward McDonagh, commander of Ireland’s 126th Infantry Battalion based at Camp Shamrock, near the Israeli border, confirmed that local mayors across all 14 villages in the Irish area of operations share similar concerns.

“They are worried that when UNIFIL leaves, it will embolden the IDF — the Israelis — to act more aggressively,” Lt-Col McDonagh told The Irish Mirror.
“We are already witnessing daily violations of the cessation of hostilities by the IDF. Locals fear these will escalate once UNIFIL withdraws.”

He said the residents have seen the devastation in Gaza and now fear that, with the war there winding down, Israel may “turn its attention toward Hezbollah” in southern Lebanon.

A Fragile Peace Under Strain

A 48-hour ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel came into effect late Wednesday following a spate of cross-border clashes that left dozens dead. While both governments confirmed the truce, each claimed the other had requested it.

The ceasefire comes against the backdrop of a shaky peace established last November — one repeatedly violated by Israeli forces, including in areas patrolled by Irish troops.

The Irish Defence Forces have maintained a presence in southern Lebanon since 1978, with 48 Irish peacekeepers losing their lives during the mission. However, the UNIFIL operation is expected to end in 2027, following the United States’ decision to withdraw its support for the mission.

Irish Visit and Local Reaction

During a visit on Wednesday, Lieutenant-General Rossa Mulcahy, the newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, met the troops at Camp Shamrock and attended a medal ceremony honouring first-time peacekeepers serving with the 126th Battalion. The unit is likely to be among the last large-scale Irish deployments to Lebanon before the mission concludes.

For many locals, the thought of losing UNIFIL’s stabilizing presence is deeply unsettling.

“We have grown up with the Irish soldiers,” said Hassan Yassine, a shopkeeper outside Camp Shamrock. “They have been here since 1978. It is not good to see them leave.”

Another trader, Ali Mohammed Dikik, echoed the sentiment, fearing that once UNIFIL departs, “there will be no witnesses” to Israeli actions along the border.

“We are all disappointed and sad,” he said. “Our neighbours can do whatever they want without anyone watching. The Irish are like family to us.”

Dikik, who has supplied Irish soldiers for decades — even following their missions to Africa — expressed deep affection for the troops.

“If the Irish go to Africa, I will follow them. If I could go to Ireland, it would be an honour,” he said.

End of an Era

As the countdown to 2027 begins, the impending end of Ireland’s longest-running overseas mission marks a profound shift for both the Irish Defence Forces and the communities of southern Lebanon.

For villagers who have long viewed the Irish “blue helmets” as a shield between them and renewed conflict, their departure signifies not just the loss of protection — but the possible unraveling of a fragile peace that has endured, often precariously, for nearly half a century.