Sir, – Like all Israelis, I was horrified by the recent attack against Irish servicemen taking part in Unifil’s mission in Lebanon. I send my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Pte Seán Rooney, and my best wishes for a speedy recovery to Trooper Shane Kearney.
This brutal attack cannot be viewed, however, as an isolated incident: it is in fact just one in a series of violent attacks targeting Unifil personnel. Nor is it a random act of violence: it is in fact the direct result of Hizbullah’s incitement against Unifil and its personnel. When senior Hizbullah officials refer to Unifil – a UN-mandated peacekeeping force – as an “occupying force”, when clear threats are made against Unifil, when its ability to independently fulfil its mandate is challenged, all of this gives licence to terrorists to target its personnel. While Hizbullah may deny it pulled the trigger, there can be no denying that through its incitement, Hizbullah loaded the gun that murdered Pte Rooney.
A stable, prosperous, and independent Lebanon isn’t just in the interest of its people, who for too long have suffered from mismanagement, corruption, and malign Iranian influence. Lebanon’s stability and prosperity is in the interest of the entire region, including Israel.
It is also of great importance to Europe, as Israeli and Lebanese natural gas can help address the continent’s energy crisis.
This is why Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid negotiated and signed October’s historic agreement between Israel and Lebanon to enable natural gas production: to promote regional stability and energy security, undermine Iranian influence, and demonstrate how conflicts in our region can be peacefully resolved through negotiation.
Unifil plays a key role in maintaining such stability, and that’s why it is critical that, following the horrific attack on Pte Rooney and Trooper Kearney, the international community stands firm behind Unifil, against Hizbullah, and for stability for everyone in the region. This is especially true given that the security situation in southern Lebanon has worsened in recent months: Hizbullah continues to grow stronger militarily with increasingly active Iranian support along our border. Hizbullah continues to challenge both Unifil and Lebanon’s government, and there are daily incidents between Hizbullah and Israel that carry the risk of escalation.
In light of all these events, ensuring Unifil’s effectiveness requires action. An independent commission of inquiry to investigate this most recent attack must be formed, as we know from experience that Lebanese investigations drag on for years while failing to deliver the truth. For example, an investigation of an attack against Unifil in 2018 has yet to be completed. Only a thorough, independent investigation, with clear findings and accountability will strengthen Unifil in fulfilling its mandate.
The world must give its full backing to Unifil, condemn attacks on its peacekeepers, and demand that Lebanon enables them to freely and independently fulfil their mandate.
Unifil plays an important role in ensuring regional stability and Israel wants to see it continue to do so. These steps will help strengthen Unifil and ultimately make sure its personnel can safely and effectively execute the important mission they’ve been sent to perform. – Yours, etc,
LIRONNE BAR SADEH,
Ambassador of Israel,
Dublin 4.