Satellite imagery shows the Israeli military established a large staging post within metres of the Irish UN position on Lebanon's defacto border which was at the centre of high-level diplomatic engagement for much of the last week.
The image was obtained by RTÉ over the weekend from commercial provider Planet Labs. The New York Times referred to the same image, and RTÉ’s reporting on it, later on Sunday.
It was taken on Saturday 5 October, and shows at least 20 pieces of Israeli military equipment were staged in a series of IDF positions surrounding the UN base, where Irish peacekeepers are stationed.
The closest Israeli position was less than 60m from the boundary of UNP 6-52, and IDF vehicles are known to have operated constantly right outside the peacekeeping outpost.
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Although RTÉ and the New York Times referenced details of the image in their reporting, neither published the image.
The Irish Defence Forces requested to RTÉ that the image in question not be published "for reasons of operational security."
There was concern within the Defence Forces that the specifics of the image could embolden Hezbollah to fire on the position or provide them with targetting information, potentially putting the Irish peacekeepers in the post in further danger.
At a press conference in United Nations headquarters on Tuesday evening, the UN Secretary-General confirmed that the Israeli forces have now left their positions around the Irish post.
"Yesterday, I had a chance to speak with your prime minister," Antonio Guterres told RTÉ News, "and after that, I did a number of démarches with different entities, and I can now tell you that those Israeli tanks and other armed elements that were around the 6-52 position have left."
The Defence Forces confirmed on Tuesday evening that there were no IDF personnel or vehicles observed near UNP 6-52. They also said troops at the outpost "remain stocked and have yet to open their ration pack stores."
In recent days, fighting has also been moving north beyond the UN position near Maroun El-Ras.
Footage and images circulated earlier today on Israeli TV channels showed Israeli troops raising their national flag on the hill overlooking the outpost.
Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin said: "IDF activity around Post 6-52 has ceased. Welcome news. I pay tribute to our personnel who continue to serve with distinction in the interests of peace."
