The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) do not pose a direct threat to a post occupied by Irish soldiers in Lebanon, but their behaviour in proximity to the post is “unacceptable”, the Cabinet was told during a lengthy briefing on the situation.
Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin told Ministers the UN had issued diplomatic correspondence to Israel — known as a “note verbale” — last Friday about the situation. The State also issued a similar note to the United Nations on the issue.
Contrary to some reports, Ministers were told, the Defence Forces has advised the Government that there are sufficient supplies of food and water in Camp Shamrock and the outposts. Arrangements had also been put in place for enhanced communication with family members of peacekeepers on the situation.
“A family liaison officer is communicating with families, giving social media updates, and the Defence Forces Personnel Support Services are available for troops and families,” said an official.
The Cabinet was also told that the UN has contingency plans in case of an improvement or deterioration of the situation in southern Lebanon.
On Tuesday night, the Government said that the IDF has withdrawn from positions close to the Irish post.
“This is extremely welcome news. The safety of our soldiers is paramount and when I spoke to [UN] secretary general [António] Guterres last night he was completely at one with me on the urgency of the situation. I thank the secretary general for his efforts following our discussions,” said Taoiseach Simon Harris.
The Cabinet also approved the Finance Bill and the Social Welfare Bill, which will be necessary to give legislative effect to the budget measures and must be passed before a general election.
[ Israel Defense Forces cease military operations beside Irish peacekeeper baseOpens in new window ]
The Finance Bill is to be published on Thursday and will begin its passage in the Dáil next Wednesday.
The Social Welfare Bill is also expected to be published and debated in the Dáil next week. A spokeswoman for the Taoiseach said the Bill would finish all stages in the Dáil and Seanad by the end of this month, clearing the way for the one-off payments to begin in November, and for an early election if that is agreed by the Coalition leaders.
However, a spokesman for Mr Martin said that the Finance Bill is not scheduled to pass through all stages in the Dáil and Seanad until December 11th. That schedule will have to change if there is to be an agreed early election.
Sources in Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael confirmed that Mr Harris and Mr Martin did not discuss an early election at their leaders’ meeting on Monday night.
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