Irish Prime Minister Condemns Former Trump Advisor’s Comments on UN Peacekeepers

Taoiseach Simon Harris has publicly condemned remarks made by Matthew Brodsky, a former adviser to Donald Trump, after Brodsky suggested that Israel should use napalm on Irish United Nations (UN) peacekeeping troops deployed in southern Lebanon. These comments were reported by the Irish Independent, sparking significant controversy and condemnation.

Brodsky, who had a role in the Trump administration’s foreign policy team, reportedly made the inflammatory comments on social media, advocating for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to “carpet bomb” positions held by Irish peacekeepers. This disturbing statement was made separately from another post where he suggested the use of napalm.

Mr. Harris, currently in Washington, D.C., commemorating the centennial of Irish-U.S. diplomatic relations, expressed outrage at the comments. He stated, “Isn’t that just the most disgusting thing you can possibly have heard? Our peacekeepers are doing an extraordinary job, and have been doing so for many decades. It’s been a particularly difficult number of weeks, especially for those in outposts confronting Israeli troops.”

The situation on the ground for the Irish peacekeepers has been tense, with Israeli forces reportedly pressuring them to withdraw as tensions in the region escalate. The Irish contingent has been part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 1978, with Irish soldiers currently stationed along the “Blue Line” border.

The comments have provoked a strong response from netizens, with many calling for Brodsky to be removed as a media commentator due to his “lack of moral integrity.” While his tweet was deleted a day after posting, the backlash continues. Critics have described his remarks as “outrageous” and inflamatory towards the role of UNIFIL in maintaining peace in the region.

Meanwhile, Harris’s visit to the United States serves the dual purpose of celebrating diplomatic milestones and includes meetings with prominent figures such as President Joe Biden and the Friends of Ireland caucus in Congress. These meetings aim to reinforce the positive diplomatic relationship and address any concerns, including those raised by such aggressive remarks.

Harris is also scheduled to attend an event at Georgetown University celebrating the century of transatlantic diplomacy, and is expected to meet Samantha Power, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, who was born in Ireland.