All Irish troops in Lebanon 'accounted for and safe' as Israel begins 'ground incursion'

The Defence Forces have confirmed that all Irish troops in Lebanon "remain accounted for and safe" following the launch of an Israeli "ground incursion".

The Israeli military has warned nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities to evacuate, hours after launching what it said was a limited ground incursion against the Hezbollah militant group this Tuesday, October 1.

They "advised" people to evacuate north of the Awali River, some 36 miles (60km) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a UN-declared zone that was intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered but said it was ready to battle them.

At present, up to 375 Irish troops and personnel are stationed at United Nations Interim Force Lebanon (Unifil) headquarters in Naqoura and Shama in south Lebanon near the border with Israel.

The Defence Forces have formed part of Unifil since 1978 and also play a smaller role in a other missions.

In a statment, the Defence Forces said that its personnel "remain vigilant and are maintaining force protection measures".

"Defence Forces headquarters remain in regular contact with our personnel on the ground."

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Speaking on the increased kinetic environment in South Lebanon, Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy said that following "the events in Southern Lebanon last night and this morning, I want to reassure the families of our personnel deployed in the region that the safety of our troops is our utmost priority, and we appreciate the support from their families during this time".

"We are in constant contact with them and are actively monitoring the situation on the ground.

"While the current circumstances are challenging, our personnel remain committed to their peacekeeping mission and are well trained to handle any increased volatility," LtG Clancy continued.

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micháel Martin said that he was "deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon and the launch of Israeli ground incursions".

"I wish to reassure everyone, particularly the family members and loved ones of Defence Forces personnel stationed in Lebanon, that all troops remain safe and accounted for, and that the safety and security of our personnel remains the utmost priority for both myself and for Government," the Tánaiste said in a statement released this Tuesday, October 1.

For families of personnel serving in Lebanon, support is available through Personnel Support Service which can be contacted at pss@defenceforces.ie and through Unit Liaison Officers which can be contacted through local Barracks.