Tánaiste Simon Harris is to propose a new initiative to support southern Lebanon, which could see EU countries work together in the coming months to train, equip and build up the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Following yesterday's announcement of the orderly wind-down of UNIFIL, Simon Harris will seek support from EU colleagues for a new military assistance mission for Lebanon.
The model being tabled by Mr Harris, who is also Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, has worked effectively in relation to Ukraine and Bosnia.
In practice, it could see Defence Force personnel from Ireland and other EU countries providing training and support to the LAF in order to build up their expertise and capacity.
During discussions in Copenhagen with fellow defence ministers, Mr Harris will cite the EU Military Assistance Mission in Ukraine (EUMAM) as a model that could be applied in Southern Lebanon.
"Our Defence Forces participate in such missions in Bosnia, in the Mediterranean and in EUMAM Ukraine, and we take particular pride in that mission as an expression of concrete EU support for Ukraine and its Armed Forces," the Tánaiste will say.
"Given the adoption of the last UNIFIL mandate yesterday by the UNSC, with the end of operations by December 2026 and a wind down/withdrawal in 2027, I would like to raise the possibility of a future discussion and consideration of such a mission in South Lebanon.
"What I am thinking here is adapting the excellent model of EUMAM to support and train the Lebanese Armed Forces."
The Tánaiste said he is responding the decision by the UN Security Council for an orderly wind-down of UNIFIL with a "heavy heart."
He paid tribute to the extraordinary role played by thousands of Irish Defence Forces personnel based over many years, in ensuring stability in this volatile region.
He particularly highlighted the 47 personnel who lost their lives while serving with distinction.
