The Israeli President has demanded that UN Peacekeepers, including Irish squadrons, evacuate combat zones in Lebanon immediately.
According to RTE News, Benjamin Netanyahu made the demands that UNIFIL Peacekeepers vacate their posts, as clashes have continued along the Israel-Lebanon border.
The demand comes as at least five UNIFIL Peacekeepers have been injured in recent days, with the Israeli Defence Forces beginning an incursion into Lebanon and escalating conflict with Hezbollah.
None of the injured Peacekeepers came from the Irish squadrons – but Ireland has been one of the biggest contributors to the Peacekeeping effort in Lebanon for decades, and has resisted Israeli demands thus far along with UN colleagues.
The Israeli Goverment has also ordered civilians in 21 villages near the Lebanese border with Israel to evacuate as IDF soldiers continue their attacks in the area.
