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Irish defence minister's trip to Lebanon cancelled

News imagePA Media Helen McEntee has shoulder length blonde hair and is wearing a dark red blazer, with a black blouse underneath PA Media
Helen McEntee was to travel to the country to meet Irish peacekeepers stationed in the region as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil)

The Republic of Ireland's defence minister has cancelled a trip to Lebanon following security advice from the Irish Defence Forces.

Helen McEntee was to travel to the country to meet Irish peacekeepers stationed in the region as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil).

The visit was abandoned following advice that it was "not tenable" from the Defence Forces.

McEntee told Irish broadcaster RTÉ that the Defence Forces felt it was not "the appropriate time" for a visit.

"I'm completely guided by them," she added.

McEntee also said: "I will continue to work closely with partners to enhance force protection, contingency planning and ensure the mission can operate effectively in an increasingly volatile environment.

"Ireland remains steadfast in its commitment to peacekeeping and to supporting stability in Lebanon."

Ireland currently has more than 300 peacekeepers stationed at its military base in south Lebanon, known as Camp Shamrock.

In August 2025 it was confirmed that the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Lebanon is set to come to an end in 2027.