Moment Irish soldiers stare down the barrel of an Israeli tank outside their post in war-torn Lebanon

This is the shock moment Irish soldiers stared down the barrel of a deadly Israeli tank – right at their door.

The exclusive Mirror photograph shows the Israeli Defense Force's multi-million dollar Merkava tank outside a beleaguered outpost housing 35 brave Irish UNIFIL peacekeepers on the border between Israel and Lebanon.

The photograph was taken outside Irish camp UNP6-52- as hundreds of Israeli Defense Force, or IDF, personnel mounted the invasion in a bid to destroy Islamic armed group Hezbollah late last week.

And these other images show just how close our soldiers are to the increasingly violent face-off between Israel and Hezbollah.

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They show Israeli armour, jeeps and soldiers right at the Irish post. The Israelis set up an FOB, or forward operating base, right outside 6-52, which is close to the town of Maroun El Ras – a key target for Israel in its invasion of Lebanon.

An Israeli tank close to theIrish outpost

That is a strongpoint of Hezbollah, who the Israelis want to destroy. Israeli military personnel are now outside the Irish camp – and are causing a major headache for the United Nations.

And, in a dramatic development on Sunday night, UNIFIL issued a public rebuke to the Israeli Defense Force, or IDF, on Twitter last night over its positioning of troops and equipment beside the Irish outpost.

It said: “UNIFIL is deeply concerned by recent activities by the IDF immediately adjacent to the Mission’s position 6-52, southeast of Marun ar Ras (Sector West), inside Lebanese territory.

“The IDF has been repeatedly informed of this ongoing situation through regular channels.

“This is an extremely dangerous development. It is unacceptable to compromise the safety of UN peacekeepers carrying out their Security Council-mandated tasks.

“UNIFIL urgently reminds all actors of their obligations to protect UN personnel and property.”

We contacted the IDF for comment last night.

Israeli Defense Force Merkava tanks outside the Irish UNP6-52 in southern Lebanon.

UNP6-52 is a small outpost close to the Blue Line, the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon and about 8kms from the main Irish base, UNP2-45, better known as Camp Shamrock. Some 350 Irish troops are normally based in Shamrock, but around 70 were on leave in Ireland when Israel mounted what it is calling a limited incursion into southern Lebanon earlier this week.

Some 35 Irish troops, led by a lieutenant, are in the smaller outpost of 6-52, 8kms too the south – and they are right in the heart of the bloody fighting between Hezbollah and Israel

And now it has emerged that the commanders of the 10,000 strong UNIFIL force – including the Irish soldiers of the 124th Infantry Battalion – are so concerned about Israel setting up the base beside our post that they made a formal approach to the Jewish state over it.

An Israeli Merkava tank passes the Irish outpost on a low loader transporter.

UN representatives made the contact on Friday in New York – and then UNIFIL made its public comments on Sunday

The brave Irish soldiers are taking shelter in special HESCO bunkers inside 6-52, which protects them from bullets and bombs.

The area where their post is located is the scene of fierce fighting – where at least 10 Israeli soldiers were killed, as well as dozens of Hezbollah fighters.

A Defence Forces statement on Sunday evening said all soldiers were safe.

It said: “The Defence Forces can reconfirm that all personnel in Lebanon are well and accounted for, and are maintaining vigilance in their mission areas.

“Despite the tough conditions, the Irish troops remain steadfast in their determination and resilience to fulfil the mission.

“The Defence Forces would like to acknowledge and thank the families of our soldiers currently deployed in Lebanon.

“Your strength, patience and support of our troops at this difficult time is much appreciated.

An overview of Camp Shamrock, the main Irish base in southern Lebanon. UNP6-52 is around 8kms to the south and right on the border.
(Image: Mick O'Neill)

“The Defence Forces is aware of misinformation and imagery circulating. For all information on our overseas personnel, please contact the Defence Forces through our designated communication channels.

“For family members that is your unit liaison network, for members of the public please contact info@military.ie and for the media press@military.ie.”

Israel launched the attack on Hezbollah following almost a year of trading missiles and rockets across the border between Israel and Lebanon.

A previous detachment of Irish soldiers on UNIFIL duty at UNP 6-52 in more peaceful times.
(Image: Flickr/Irish Defence Forces)

Southern Lebanon is a stronghold for Hezbollah – who use it to attack northern Israel. The sheer number of rocket attacks from Hezbollah on northern Israel has forced tens of thousands of people from their homes.

That has led Israel to attack Hezbollah in southern Lebanon - as well as the capital of Beirut. Hundreds of people have now been killed in the last week.

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