Main pic: Tánaiste Micheál Martin visiting troops based at Finner Camp in Donegal last year.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said that Irish troops serving with UNIFIL will remain in Lebanon, adding that ‘they are safe’.
There are 379 Irish Defence Forces personnel, including a number from Donegal, serving with UNIFIL in the country.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Martin said that movement across Lebanon right now would be dangerous, adding that the troops there are now the eyes and ears of the international community.
While he said Irish troops will remain in Lebanon, different scenarios are being examined and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Mr Martin said priority supplies had been sent in advance of the recent escalation in violence.
He was speaking after Iran launched missiles towards Israel in response to consistent Israeli attacks on Lebanon and a ground incursion on the southern Lebanese border.
“We want de-escalation”, the Tánaiste said.
Read the full report on www.rte.ie