Defence Forces to send 45 members from Cork to Lebanon

There will be 45 members of the Irish Defence Forces from Cork heading for Lebanon next month as part of a deployment of the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) mission.

With 344 personnel from the Irish Defence Forces being deployed in total, the 128th Infantry Battalion will be the last rotation of the current Unifil mission. This follows five decades of personnel from the Irish Defence Forces engaging in peacekeeping missions in Lebanon.

The personnel being deployed range in experience from those on their first deployment, to seasoned non-commissioned officers and commissioned officers.

They will deploy in May and take over duties from the 127th Infantry Battalion who were deployed in November of 2025.

Cork North Central Fine Gael TD Colm Burke said the Defence Forces are being deployed at a critical moment for the mission and for stability in the Middle East, as the mission enters the final phase in Lebanon.

“I want to wish all members of the 128th Infantry Battalion from Cork and across Ireland the best of luck as they prepare to go to Lebanon,” Mr Burke said.

“These personnel have been entrusted with helping bring a long chapter of Irish peacekeeping in Lebanon to a close. They will support peace and stability at a vital moment for the region.

“This mission has been so important for almost five decades. At a time of great challenge in the region, our Defence Forces will serve with professionalism and courage.”

Mr Burke added: “Our Defence Forces have showed a strong commitment to peace throughout the Unifil mission.

“I want to reassure personnel and their families that the safety and wellbeing of our soldiers remains paramount.

“For the 45 soldiers in Cork, you are part of a mission of peace, humanity, and hope, and we are thankful for the work you do.”

Defence minister Helen McEntee also acknowledged the challenging security environment in southern Lebanon, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Irish personnel serving overseas.

“As this mission draws towards its conclusion, the importance of Ireland’s contribution has never been more pronounced,” said Ms McEntee.

“The 128th Infantry Battalion has been entrusted with helping bring a distinguished chapter of Irish peacekeeping in Lebanon to a close, while continuing to support peace and stability at a vital moment.”