The Tánaiste says he knows the families of Irish soldiers in Lebanon are worried – but the government can’t unilaterally pull them out.
Around 350 members of the Defence Forces are in the country, along with 150 Irish citizens.
Concerns are mounting about an escalation of violence in the Middle East.
Israel says it’s sending more troops into Lebanon – with armoured units joining the ground operation.
It’s after Hezbollah said its fighters had pushed Israeli forces back when they clashed on the border.
The militant group claims to have fired missiles at areas north of the Israeli city of Haifa – with Israel warning people in 24 towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate.
Last night, Benjamin Netanyahu promised retaliation after Iran launched 200 missiles at Israel.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin says the soldiers are safe right now.
“I am very conscious of the families at home here that are very worried.” The Tánaiste said.
“I want to reassure families that they are safe and are in their complexes right now.
“We are concentrating on protection and with our European colleagues to try and deescalate this.”
