Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Helen McEntee, has urged the United States to reconsider some of its foreign policy positions while stressing that Washington remains Ireland’s most important security partner. Her comments came as international pressure grows over Gaza, Ukraine, Lebanon and the future of the rules-based global order.
Speaking at an EU defence and security conference at Dublin Castle on Thursday, McEntee said Ireland and the European Union could not simply wait for political changes in Iran, Israel or the United States before responding to urgent humanitarian and security crises.
McEntee calls for a change in US foreign policy
McEntee said Ireland should continue working closely with Washington, but also use that relationship to encourage a different approach on some foreign affairs issues. She described the United States as Ireland’s most important security partner and said cooperation remained essential.
At the same time, she argued that close relations should allow Ireland and the EU to communicate their concerns directly and seek changes where positions conflict with European priorities.
The minister’s remarks reflect a difficult balance for Irish foreign policy: maintaining a close transatlantic security relationship while defending Ireland’s support for international law, humanitarian assistance and multilateral institutions.
- Helen McEntee said the US remains Ireland’s most important security partner.
- Ireland and the EU should encourage Washington to change some foreign policy approaches.
- McEntee called for action on Gaza and support for a two-state solution.
- A new EU support mission for Lebanon is expected to follow the conclusion of UNIFIL.
Ireland and the EU reaffirm support for the ICC and Gaza
During her address, McEntee emphasised Ireland’s support for the International Criminal Court. The court has faced sanctions under Donald Trump’s second administration, making its future role a significant issue in international diplomacy.
She also called for continued European support for Gaza, warning that the humanitarian crisis could not be left unresolved while governments waited for possible political changes in the region.
McEntee highlighted the situation in the West Bank, including violence by settlers and the expansion of settlements. She said the international community needed to act collectively to defend the two-state solution.
Her comments place Ireland’s position within a wider European effort to support humanitarian protection, accountability and a negotiated political settlement between Israelis and Palestinians.
Lebanon mission raises security questions
The conference also focused on Lebanon and the future of international peacekeeping in the country. McEntee recently travelled to southern Lebanon, where Irish peacekeepers have served as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL.
She described the damage in the area as devastating and raised concerns about what would happen after uniformed UN troops withdraw. Her central question was who would monitor developments and help support stability once the current mission reaches its conclusion.
The Cabinet’s approval of the removal of the Defence Forces’ traditional triple-lock requirement will allow Irish personnel to take part in a new EU mission in Lebanon. Opposition TDs have criticised the decision, while the Government has defended it.
Government representatives have also rejected claims that the proposed mission would expose Irish soldiers to unacceptable danger arising from potential clashes involving Israel and Hizbullah.
What the new EU support mission means
McEntee said the planned EU operation would not be a direct successor to UNIFIL. However, she said it would provide important support for Lebanon’s security and stability.
The transition is likely to remain politically sensitive because Irish troops have a long-standing role in peacekeeping, while the security environment around southern Lebanon remains volatile. The precise responsibilities, safeguards and deployment arrangements will be important as the mission develops.
Ukraine remains central to European security
Russia’s war in Ukraine was another major subject at the Dublin conference. McEntee condemned Russia’s invasion and pointed to Ireland’s support for Ukraine, including assistance and backing for the country’s application to join the European Union.
The war has strengthened debate across Europe about defence cooperation, security partnerships and the role of the EU in responding to threats. For Ireland, the discussion is particularly significant because the State maintains a policy of military neutrality while participating in international peacekeeping and European security initiatives.
McEntee’s address underlined that neutrality does not remove Ireland from international security debates. Instead, it shapes the way the Government approaches cooperation, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and EU missions.
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What happens next?
Ireland is expected to remain engaged in discussions with EU partners and the United States over Gaza, Ukraine, Lebanon and the future of international institutions. The Government will also face continued scrutiny over the Defence Forces’ participation in the proposed EU mission.
The key issues to watch include the final design of the Lebanon operation, the protection of Irish personnel, the conclusion of UNIFIL and the wider political debate over the triple lock.
On foreign policy, McEntee’s position suggests Ireland will continue pursuing a pragmatic relationship with Washington while pressing for stronger international action on humanitarian crises and accountability.
Frequently asked questions
What did Helen McEntee say about the United States?
She said the US remains Ireland’s most important security partner, but argued that Ireland and the EU should encourage Washington to change some of its foreign policy approaches.
What issues did McEntee highlight?
She discussed Gaza, the West Bank, the International Criminal Court, Russia’s war in Ukraine and the future of peacekeeping in Lebanon.
Why is Lebanon important to Ireland?
Irish Defence Forces personnel have served with UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. Ireland is now preparing for participation in a new EU support mission after the current UN mission concludes.
What is the triple lock?
The triple lock refers to the approval requirements traditionally governing overseas deployment of Irish troops. The Cabinet has approved its removal, a decision criticised by Opposition TDs and defended by the Government.
Ireland must act while diplomacy continues
Helen McEntee’s speech presented Ireland’s foreign policy challenge clearly: the State wants to preserve a vital security relationship with the United States while urging stronger action on international law and humanitarian emergencies.
Her message was that diplomacy cannot become an excuse for delay. As debates continue over Gaza, Ukraine and Lebanon, Ireland’s role will depend on combining principled positions with practical engagement through the EU, the UN and international partners.
For readers following the latest Irish news, the next major developments are likely to centre on the Lebanon mission, Defence Forces oversight and Ireland’s continuing response to global security crises.