Ireland rejects Israeli army's request to withdraw peacekeepers from Lebanese border: Media report

​​​​​​​By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The Israeli military has urged Ireland to withdraw its peacekeeping troops from an outpost along the Lebanese-Israeli border as hostilities in the region escalate, Irish media said Friday.

The Irish Times said the request, made through the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), comes as Israel's military campaign against Hezbollah intensifies.

UNIFIL has insisted that the peacekeepers will remain in place, despite the warning.

Ireland, which has a single outpost designated as post 6-52 on the border, known as the Blue Line, is one of several countries contributing troops to UNIFIL.

The Irish platoon stationed at the post is tasked with observing and reporting any incursions along the border.

The request for the troop removal raises concerns that Israel may be preparing a broader invasion of southern Lebanon, with the prospect of expanding operations along the entire border.

Incursions so far have been limited in scale, but the escalating violence has prompted fears of a more extensive conflict.

UNIFIL has communicated to Israel that the peacekeepers will not be withdrawn, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining stability in the volatile region.

The war in Gaza spread to Lebanon when Israel launched deadly strikes across the country late last month that have killed more than 1,100 victims. Tel Aviv has also assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Fears are growing that a continued escalation could lead to an all-out war in the region.