THE decision to postpone the replacement of the 633 Irish troops serving with the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (Unifil) was taken by Army officers against the background of the worsening situation there.
The troop replacement was due to have started tomorrow but has been postponed for a week.
Commandant Billy Harrington, speaking to The Irish Times from Tibnin, said the Israeli operation initially called for the evacuation, of just 40 people from South Lebanon but there were now 400,000 people on the move to escape the Israeli raids.
Coupled with the closure of Beirut airport this would make it impossible for the replacement Irish troops to move with safety to their posts. The troops due to travel home were in good form, availing of breaks in the raids to leave their bunkers to get water and other rations.
An improvement in the weather yesterday had enabled the Israelis to fly more raids and the level of shelling increased. Many of the troops had served several six month periods of duty and were accustomed to this type of situation. They were, of course, disappointed at not getting home but accepted the decision as being in their best interests.
The troops are normally replaced over a three week period. About one third of the new contingent was due to leave tomorrow with the remainder leaving at intervals.
Comdt Harrington said the replacement operation was staggered so that the new troops could be gradually introduced to their duties by those with experience of the area.
The Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Spring, expressed his grave concern at the deteriorating situation which had led to so many innocent lives and caused hundreds of thousands of Lebanese citizens to flee their homes.
Mr Spring called on all sides to exercise the utmost restraint and avoid any escalation which could lead to further casualties and suffering.
"The latest developments pose a serious threat to the Middle East peace process and to the stability of the region generally," he said.
Mr Spring expressed concern about the safety of the Irish soldiers and said the Government would continue to monitor the situation and would "consider any measures that may be appropriate to ensure their safety."
He reaffirmed Ireland's support for the UN Security Council resolution which upheld the territorial integrity and independence of the Lebanon.
. At Lebanon's request the United Nations Security Council will discuss the crisis at 10.00 p.m. Irish time.