More than three hundred Irish soldiers are set to deploy to south Lebanon as part of a longstanding peacekeeping mission, marking a poignant moment as the operation begins to wind down. The mission, which has seen Irish involvement for nearly five decades, will continue until 2027 after recent negotiations extended its mandate. Irish officials emphasized the mixed emotions felt by families and the pride in the nation's legacy of service in the region. The focus for the coming years will be on closely working with Lebanese forces to prepare them to take over the mission, ensuring stability and security amid ongoing uncertainty. Soldiers and their families spoke of the challenges and sacrifices involved, highlighting the emotional impact of the deployment, especially during the holiday season.