What is the primary name and alternative names for the conflict that began on June 6, 1982?

The conflict that began on June 6, 1982, is primarily known as the 1982 Lebanon War. It is also referred to as the Second Israeli invasion of Lebanon, and in Israel, it is known as the First Lebanon War. This conflict was a significant military engagement in the broader history of the Israeli-Lebanese conflict.

What were the main dates and location associated with the 1982 Lebanon War?

The 1982 Lebanon War officially began on June 6, 1982, with the end of the Israeli operation marked as September 29, 1982. Most Israeli forces were withdrawn by June 5, 1985. The conflict primarily took place in Lebanon.

What was the overall outcome of the 1982 Lebanon War?

The overall outcome of the 1982 Lebanon War was inconclusive. While Israel achieved tactical victories, it experienced strategic failures. Key results included the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) withdrawal from Lebanon, the end of the Palestinian insurgency in South Lebanon, and the beginning of the Southern Lebanon conflict. A significant territorial change was the start of the Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon.

Which entities were the primary belligerents in the 1982 Lebanon War?

The primary belligerents in the 1982 Lebanon War were Israel, the Lebanese Forces, and the South Lebanon Army on one side, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Syria on the other. Additionally, other groups such as the Lebanese National Resistance Front, Al-Mourabitoun, and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) were involved.

Who were the key commanders and leaders for Israel and its allies during the 1982 Lebanon War?

For Israel and its allies, key commanders and leaders included Menachem Begin, Ariel Sharon, Rafael Eitan, David Ivry, Ze'ev Almog, and Yekutiel Adam (who was killed in action). On the side of the Lebanese Forces, Bachir Gemayel (who was assassinated), Fadi Frem, and Elie Hobeika were prominent, along with Saad Haddad of the South Lebanon Army.

Who were the key commanders and leaders for the PLO, Syria, and their allies during the 1982 Lebanon War?

For the PLO, Syria, and their allies, key commanders and leaders included Yasser Arafat and Saad Sayel (who was killed in action) for the PLO. For Syria, Hafez al-Assad, Mustafa Tlass, and Hikmat al-Shihabi were significant figures. Other leaders included Walid Jumblatt of the Lebanese National Resistance Front, Ibrahim Kulaylat of Al-Mourabitoun, and Mahsum Korkmaz of the PKK.

What was the military strength of Israel and its allies at the beginning of the 1982 Lebanon War?

At the beginning of the 1982 Lebanon War, Israel's forces comprised 78,000 troops, 800 tanks, 1,500 Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), and 634 aircraft. The Lebanese Forces contributed 30,000 troops, while the South Lebanon Army (SLA) had 5,000 troops and 97 tanks.

What was the military strength of Syria and the PLO at the beginning of the 1982 Lebanon War?

At the beginning of the 1982 Lebanon War, Syria's forces included 22,000 troops, 352 tanks, 300 APCs, 450 aircraft, 300 artillery pieces, 100 anti-aircraft guns, and 125 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) batteries. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) had 15,000 troops, 80 tanks, 150 APCs, over 350 artillery pieces, and over 250 anti-aircraft guns.

What were the reported casualties and losses for Israel during the 1982 Lebanon War?

From 1982 to 1985, Israel reported 654 killed and 3,887 wounded. Additionally, 4 Israeli soldiers were missing and 12 were captured. In terms of equipment, Israel lost 1 aircraft and 2 helicopters. The total figures encompass the period of initial invasion and subsequent occupation.

What were the reported casualties and losses for the PLO and Syria during the 1982 Lebanon War?

For the PLO, estimates of killed ranged from 1,000 to 2,400, and 6,000 fighters were captured. Syria suffered 1,200 killed and 296 captured. Syrian equipment losses included 300-350 tanks, 150 APCs, approximately 100 artillery pieces, 82-86 aircraft, 12 helicopters, and 29 SAM missile batteries.

What were the total casualties reported for the 1982 Lebanon War, including civilian figures?

The Lebanese authorities reported total casualties of 19,085 killed and 30,000 wounded, with combatants accounting for 57% of the dead and civilians 43%. These figures do not include the estimated 800-3,500 civilians killed in the Sabra and Shatila massacre. Richard Gabriel estimated that between 5,000 and 8,000 civilians died during the war, and some later estimates put the total figure at 18,000-19,000 killed and over 30,000 wounded, mostly civilians.

What was the immediate trigger for the 1982 Lebanon War?

The immediate trigger for the 1982 Lebanon War was the attempted assassination of Shlomo Argov, Israel's ambassador to the United Kingdom, by gunmen from the Abu Nidal Organization on June 3, 1982. Although the Abu Nidal Organization was a rival of the PLO, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin blamed the PLO and used this incident as a justification for the invasion.

What were Israel's stated objectives for launching 'Operation Peace for Galilee'?

Israel's publicly stated objective for 'Operation Peace for Galilee' was to push Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) forces back 40 kilometers (25 miles) to the north from the Israeli border. However, broader objectives included ending Palestinian attacks from Lebanon, destroying the PLO's military and political infrastructure in the country, and installing a pro-Israel Maronite Christian government in Lebanon.

How did the 1948 Palestine War and the 1967 war contribute to the Palestinian population in Lebanon before 1982?

During the 1948 Palestine War, approximately 730,000 Palestinians fled or were forced to leave their homes, with about 100,000 arriving in Lebanon. By 1969, this population grew to 235,000 due to natural growth and immigration, including Palestinians who fled or were expelled by Israel during the 1967 war. On the eve of the 1982 invasion, the Palestinian population in Lebanon was 375,000, with many guerrillas recruited from these refugee camps.

What were the evolving objectives of the PLO regarding a Palestinian state?

Initially, in 1968, the PLO's objective was to establish a single democratic state across all of historical Palestine, ensuring equal rights for Jews, Muslims, and Christians. By 1977, this objective had evolved to establishing a Palestinian state specifically in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, existing alongside Israel.

How did the 'Black September' conflict in Jordan impact the PLO's presence in Lebanon?

In 1970, a significant influx of Palestinians from Jordan relocated to Lebanon following the 'Black September' conflict. This relocation led to an additional demographic imbalance within Lebanese society and contributed to the PLO effectively creating an unofficial 'state-within-a-state' in Southern Lebanon, which then played a crucial role in the Lebanese Civil War.

What was the role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) prior to the 1982 war?

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established on March 19, 1978, following UN Security Council Resolution 425. Its mandate was to confirm Israel's withdrawal from Southern Lebanon after the 1978 conflict, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese government in re-establishing its authority in the area. UNIFIL troops were deployed on March 23, 1978, and were reassigned from other UN peacekeeping operations.

How did Israel's relationship with Lebanese Christian militias develop before the 1982 invasion?

As early as 1976, Israel began assisting Lebanese Christian militias in their battles against the PLO. During Operation Litani in 1978, Israel established a security zone in southern Lebanon, where it provided training and arms to Christian militias that would later form the South Lebanon Army. Israel's main partner became the Maronite Phalange party, led by Bashir Gemayel, and this relationship evolved into a political-strategic alliance, with some Israeli government members, like Ariel Sharon, planning to install a pro-Israel Christian government in Lebanon.

What was the nature of the 1981 ceasefire brokered by Philip Habib between Israel and the PLO?

The 1981 ceasefire, brokered by United States Undersecretary of State Philip Habib on July 24, 1981, was an oral agreement reached through shuttle diplomacy involving Damascus, Jerusalem, and Beirut, with a Saudi mediator. It was necessary because Israel and the PLO did not recognize each other and refused direct negotiations. This truce led to an unprecedented state of calm on the Lebanese-Israeli border from July 1981 to June 1982.

What was the Israeli interpretation of the 1981 ceasefire, and how did it differ from the PLO's view?

The Israeli interpretation, particularly by Prime Minister Begin and Defense Minister Sharon, was that the ceasefire was not geographically limited to the Lebanese border and that any act of Palestinian violence, including international terrorism, would constitute a breach. They held Yasser Arafat responsible for all Palestinian factions. In contrast, the PLO and American negotiators understood the ceasefire to primarily cover terror attacks stemming from Lebanon, and Arafat actively pressured radical factions to maintain the truce within Lebanon.

What was the 'Big Pines' military plan and how was it implemented?

The 'Big Pines' military plan was an IDF plan that envisaged an invasion of Lebanon up to the Damascus-Beirut highway and a link-up with Maronite forces. It was initially presented to the Israeli cabinet by Menachem Begin on December 20, 1981, but was rejected by most ministers. However, Ariel Sharon and Chief of Staff Rafael Eitan later implemented the plan in stages, by leveraging enemy provocations and Israeli responses, effectively bypassing the cabinet's initial rejection.

Describe the initial phase of the Israeli invasion on June 6, 1982, known as 'Operation Peace for Galilee'.

On June 6, 1982, 'Operation Peace for Galilee' commenced with a three-pronged invasion of southern Lebanon by approximately 60,000 Israeli troops, supported by over 800 tanks, 1,500 APCs, aircraft, attack helicopters, artillery, and missile boats. Simultaneously, Israeli armor, paratroopers, and naval commandos conducted an amphibious landing north of Sidon to cut off PLO retreat. The invasion aimed to push PLO forces 40 kilometers north.

What challenges did the Israeli forces face during their advance along the coastal road towards Beirut?

The Israeli advance along the coastal road faced significant challenges, including becoming bogged down and falling behind schedule due to the narrowness of the road, which caused a large traffic jam. PLO fighters ambushed Israeli armored vehicles from hidden positions, and one lead battalion made a wrong turn into Tyre, where it was ambushed, leading to fierce urban combat in narrow streets.

How did the Israeli forces manage to capture the Palestinian refugee camps near Sidon?

To capture the Palestinian refugee camps of Rashidiya, Burj ash-Shamali, and al-Bass near Sidon, which were heavily fortified with bunkers, trenches, and firing positions, Israeli forces employed a specific method. They first blared warnings via loudspeakers urging civilians to evacuate, followed by intense air and artillery bombardment, and then an infantry assault. The Israeli infantry engaged in fierce urban combat, and despite PLO defenders sometimes using civilians as human shields, the camps were secured after several days of fighting, culminating in the destruction of the camp mosque in Ain al-Hilweh.

What was 'Operation Mole Cricket 19' and its significance in the 1982 Lebanon War?

'Operation Mole Cricket 19' was a major Israeli Air Force (IAF) operation launched on June 9, 1982, aimed at establishing air superiority. During this operation, the IAF achieved a dramatic victory by shooting down 29 Syrian planes and destroying 17 Syrian anti-aircraft missile batteries, largely by employing electronic warfare methods to confuse and jam Syrian radars. This operation significantly crippled Syria's air defense capabilities and allowed Israel greater freedom of action in the skies.

Describe the Battle of Sultan Yacoub and its outcome for the Israeli forces.

In the Battle of Sultan Yacoub, an Israeli armored battalion probing past Joub Jannine was ambushed by Syrian forces. The Israelis fought fiercely to extricate themselves, calling in reinforcements and artillery fire to cover their withdrawal. After six hours of combat, the Israelis managed to retreat, but suffered losses of 10 tanks and 3 armored personnel carriers. Additionally, two Israeli soldiers from this battle remained missing in action, while two others were later returned along with the bodies of two more.

What was the strategic importance of the Beirut-Damascus highway during the war, and how did Israel attempt to control it?

The Beirut-Damascus highway was of critical importance as it was Syria's primary supply line in the region and the only major escape route for PLO and Syrian forces trapped in Beirut. Israel aimed to capture the highway to prevent Syrian and PLO forces from escaping, launch further operations into Beirut without risking a Syrian flanking attack, and secure clear transit to Christian-held eastern Beirut. The IDF launched an operation on June 22, employing highly effective air force missions, long-range artillery, and armored attacks to drive Syrian forces from the highway.

What was the 'Siege of Beirut' and how did it conclude?

The 'Siege of Beirut' began on June 14, 1982, after Israeli forces completed the encirclement of the city. Israel chose to besiege the city rather than launch a direct assault to avoid heavy casualties from street fighting. Israeli forces bombarded targets from land, sea, and air, and attempted to assassinate Palestinian leaders. The siege lasted until August 1982, concluding with an agreement that led to the evacuation of over 14,000 PLO combatants from Lebanon, supervised by a multinational peacekeeping force.

What were the immediate consequences of the PLO's withdrawal from Lebanon for the United States and the region?

Following the PLO's withdrawal, the United States brokered the May 17 Agreement in an attempt to de-escalate hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, though this agreement ultimately failed. Increased hostilities against the US, attributed to Iranian-backed Islamist guerrillas, led to the April 1983 United States Embassy bombing, which in turn resulted in the withdrawal of international peacekeeping forces from Lebanon.

What significant event occurred in February 1985 during Israel's phased withdrawal from Lebanon?

In February 1985, Israel withdrew its forces from Sidon and transferred control of the city to the Lebanese Army. This withdrawal, however, was met with attacks, resulting in 15 Israelis killed and 105 wounded. Additionally, dozens of pro-Israeli Lebanese militiamen were assassinated during this period.

What was the impact of the 1982 Lebanon War on the emergence of Hezbollah?

The 1982 Lebanon War is widely considered a major catalyst for the creation of Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shia Islamist group. In the vacuum left by the eradication of the PLO's presence, disorganized Islamic militants in South Lebanon began to consolidate. Hezbollah emerged as a prominent Shia resistance faction, substantially growing by 1984, and subsequently waged a guerrilla war against the Israeli occupation until Israel's final withdrawal in 2000, effectively replacing the PLO in Southern Lebanon.

How did the Israeli Air Force perform during the 1982 Lebanon War, particularly against Syrian forces?

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) demonstrated significant dominance during the 1982 Lebanon War. It conducted highly successful ground attack missions against Syrian and PLO targets, with Israeli attack helicopters inflicting heavy losses on Syrian armor. In aerial combat, the IAF shot down between 82 and 86 Syrian aircraft without sustaining any losses of its own, marking the largest aerial combat battle of the jet age. The IAF also effectively destroyed most Syrian anti-aircraft missile batteries in Lebanon using electronic warfare.

What was the performance of the Israeli Merkava tank in its combat debut during the 1982 Lebanon War?

The Israeli Merkava Main Battle Tank (MBT) made its combat debut during the 1982 Lebanon War, facing Syrian T-72 tanks. The Israelis claimed that the Merkava proved superior, destroying a number of T-72s without sustaining any losses from T-72 fire. However, defense analysts and the Syrians claimed the opposite, asserting that their T-72s were highly effective and none were lost, even crediting them with halting Israeli advances and capturing an M60 Patton tank.

What significant assassination occurred in September 1982 that impacted the war's political landscape?

On September 14, 1982, Bachir Gemayel, the newly elected President of Lebanon and an Israeli ally, was assassinated by Habib Shartouni of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party. This event significantly altered the political landscape, as Israel's position in Beirut became untenable, and the prospect of a peace treaty with a pro-Israel Christian government became increasingly unlikely.

What was the Sabra and Shatila massacre, and who was held responsible for it?

The Sabra and Shatila massacre was a horrific event that occurred between September 16 and 18, 1982, where between 460 and 3,500 civilians, primarily Palestinians and Lebanese Shiites, were massacred by Lebanese Christian Phalangist militiamen. Israeli forces, who were allied with the Phalangists and had surrounded the camps, authorized their entry. The Israeli Kahan Commission of Inquiry found that while direct responsibility lay with the Phalangists, Ariel Sharon, then Israeli Defense Minister, bore 'personal responsibility' for failing to prevent the massacre and for not acting once he learned of it, leading to his recommendation for removal from his post.

What was the composition and deployment of Israeli forces during the 1982 invasion?

Israeli forces, totaling 78,000 men, 1,240 tanks, and 1,500 armored personnel carriers, were deployed in five divisions and two reinforced brigade-size units. They advanced along three main axes: the Coastal Sector (Division 91, Paratroop Brigade, Naval commandos), the Central Sector (Divisions 36 and 162, targeting Beaufort Castle and Jezzine), and the Eastern Sector (Divisions 90 and 252, Vardi Force, Special Maneuver Force, primarily to contain Syrians in the Bekaa Valley).

What were the key components of the Syrian Armed Forces deployed in Lebanon in June 1982?

In June 1982, the Syrian Armed Forces had over 30,000 troops in Lebanon. Their largest concentration was in the Bekaa Valley, where the 1st Armoured Division (including mechanised and armoured brigades, and commando battalions) deployed around 400 tanks and 19 surface-to-air missile batteries. In Beirut and the Shouf Mountains, the 85th Infantry Brigade, Palestine Liberation Army (PLA), As-Sa'iqa, and 20 commando battalions were stationed with about 200 tanks, primarily to protect the Beirut-Damascus Highway.

How were the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) forces structured and armed in Lebanon before the 1982 invasion?

Before the 1982 invasion, the PLO had around 15,000 full-time military personnel, with about 6,000 deployed in southern Lebanon, including 4,500 regulars. Their primary forces consisted of three conventional brigades (Yarmouk, Kastel, Karameh) each with 2,000 to 2,500 men, and seven artillery battalions. They were armed with about 80 aging tanks (many used as pillboxes), 100 to 200 pieces of artillery, numerous BM21 Katyusha multiple-rocket launchers, and heavy mortars. Israeli analysts noted a significant increase in PLO artillery from 1981 to 1982.

Which non-PLO Palestinian groups and Lebanese left-wing militias participated in the conflict alongside the PLO and Syria?

Non-PLO Palestinian groups from the radical Rejectionist Front, such as the Arab Liberation Front, As-Sa'iqa, Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Fatah-Revolutionary Council (Abu Nidal Organization), Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), PFLP-General Command, Palestine Liberation Army (PLA), and Palestinian Popular Struggle Front, joined forces with the mainstream PLO. Lebanese left-wing parties, forming the 'joint forces,' included Al-Mourabitoun, the Lebanese Communist Party, Communist Action Organization in Lebanon, and the Arab Socialist Action Party. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) also had units fighting Israeli forces.

What was the role of the Amal Movement and other Muslim militias during the 1982 Lebanon War?

The Amal Movement, a Shia organization, initially fought against the PLO but switched sides during the invasion. While some Amal fighters in the south remained neutral, others mounted aggressive defensive actions against Israeli forces, temporarily halting them at Khaldeh. Other Muslim forces included the Islamic Students Union (a core of Hezbollah), the Iranian-dispatched Pasdaran (Revolutionary Guards) who provided training and funds, Islamic Amal (a splinter group from Amal), and other Shia groups like the Imam Hussein Fedayeen and Islamic Dawa Party in Lebanon. Hezbollah, a Shia resistance faction, formed after the invasion and became a prominent force against Israeli occupation.

What were the long-term consequences of the 1982 Lebanon War for the region?

One of the most significant long-term consequences was the creation and rise of Hezbollah, which became a dominant force in Lebanese resistance. The war also led to the Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon until 2000, and the political vacuum created by Israel's 1985 withdrawal eventually resulted in a de facto Syrian occupation of Lebanon, with Syria gaining more power than before 1982. The conflict also weakened the Syrian military and removed the PLO's presence from Southern Lebanon, but failed to achieve Israel's larger objective of a peace treaty with Lebanon.

What were some of the other notable consequences of the 1982 Lebanon War, beyond military and political outcomes?

Beyond military and political outcomes, the war had several other consequences. The Lebanese Council for Development and Reconstruction estimated the damage cost at US$2 billion at the time. The conflict also had a profound psychological impact, with Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden later claiming that the destruction of towers and buildings in Beirut during the siege inspired the September 11 attacks. Furthermore, Egypt recalled its ambassador from Israel, marking the most serious diplomatic rupture since the Camp David Accords, though not a full break in relations.

How did the United Nations General Assembly respond to the Sabra and Shatila massacre?

On December 16, 1982, the United Nations General Assembly condemned the Sabra and Shatila massacre and declared it to be an act of genocide. The resolution passed with 123 votes in favor, none against, and 22 abstentions, although some delegates disputed the classification of the massacre as genocide.

What were the findings of the international commission and the Kahan Commission regarding responsibility for the Sabra and Shatila massacre?

An international commission, chaired by Seán MacBride, concluded that the Israeli government had committed acts of aggression contrary to international law and that Israeli authorities or forces were directly or indirectly responsible for the massacres carried out by Lebanese militiamen. The Israeli Kahan Commission of Inquiry, while finding no Israelis directly responsible, concluded that Ariel Sharon bore 'personal responsibility' for failing to foresee and prevent the massacre by the Phalangists and for failing to act once reports emerged, recommending his removal as Defense Minister.

1982 Lebanon War Wiki: Conflict in Galilee: A Strategic Analysis of the 1982 Lebanon War

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An Overview of the Conflict

Operation Peace for Galilee

The 1982 Lebanon War, codenamed Operation Peace for Galilee by Israel, commenced on June 6, 1982. The conflict was initiated when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a large-scale invasion of southern Lebanon. This military action was a culmination of escalating cross-border attacks between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which had established a significant presence in Lebanon, and Israeli forces. The stated trigger for the invasion was the attempted assassination of Israeli ambassador Shlomo Argov in London by the Abu Nidal Organization, a rival faction to the PLO. Despite this, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Menachem Begin, held the PLO responsible, utilizing the event as a casus belli for a pre-planned military campaign.

Israel's Strategic Objectives

The Israeli government articulated several primary goals for the invasion. The immediate objective was to create a 40-kilometer buffer zone in southern Lebanon to halt PLO rocket attacks on northern Israeli communities. However, the broader strategic aims were far more ambitious. Defense Minister Ariel Sharon envisioned the complete destruction of the PLO's military and political infrastructure in Lebanon. Furthermore, Israel sought to facilitate the installation of a pro-Israel Maronite Christian government, led by Bashir Gemayel, with the ultimate hope of signing a formal peace treaty and securing its northern border for decades.

A War of Inconclusive Results

While the war resulted in tactical victories for Israel, including the successful expulsion of the PLO leadership from Beirut, it is widely regarded as a strategic failure. The primary political objectives were not achieved; the assassination of President-elect Bashir Gemayel shattered hopes for a pro-Israel government, and no lasting peace treaty was signed. The conflict led to a prolonged and costly Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon, which in turn gave rise to a new and formidable adversary: the Iranian-backed Shia Islamist group, Hezbollah. The war's complexities, high casualty count, and controversial events like the Sabra and Shatila massacre profoundly impacted both Israeli and Lebanese societies for years to come.

The Path to War

The PLO in Lebanon: A State Within a State

The roots of the conflict extend back decades. Following the 1948 Palestine war, over 100,000 Palestinian refugees settled in Lebanon. This population grew significantly after the PLO was expelled from Jordan in 1970 during the "Black September" conflict. By 1975, the refugee population exceeded 300,000. The PLO established an autonomous political and military infrastructure, particularly in Southern Lebanon, effectively creating a "state within a state." This presence destabilized Lebanon's delicate sectarian balance and served as a base for launching attacks against Israel, leading to a cycle of raids and retaliations that defined the border region from 1968 onwards.

The Habib Ceasefire of 1981

In July 1981, U.S. envoy Philip Habib brokered a fragile ceasefire between the PLO and Israel. This brought a period of relative calm to the border, unprecedented since 1968. However, the agreement was fraught with ambiguity. The PLO understood it to apply only to cross-border attacks from Lebanon, while the Israeli government, particularly Prime Minister Begin and Defense Minister Sharon, interpreted it as a prohibition on any Palestinian attack against Israeli targets worldwide. This fundamental disagreement meant that any act of Palestinian militancy, even by groups hostile to the PLO, could be—and was—treated by Israel as a breach of the ceasefire, providing a justification for a military response.

The Pretext for Invasion

On June 3, 1982, gunmen from the Abu Nidal Organization, a radical faction and sworn enemy of Yasser Arafat's PLO, attempted to assassinate Israeli ambassador Shlomo Argov in London. Despite intelligence indicating Abu Nidal's responsibility, the Israeli cabinet chose to hold the PLO accountable. This event provided the "internationally recognized provocation" that Israeli leadership had been seeking. In retaliation, Israel launched airstrikes against PLO targets in Beirut, killing around 200 people. The PLO responded with rocket fire into northern Israel. On June 4, the Israeli cabinet authorized a full-scale invasion, setting the stage for war.

The Israeli Invasion

The Three-Pronged Advance

On June 6, 1982, the IDF launched its invasion with approximately 60,000 troops and over 800 tanks. The attack proceeded along three main axes:

Coastal Sector: Forces advanced up the coast towards Tyre and Sidon, supported by naval gunfire and an amphibious landing north of Sidon to cut off retreating PLO forces.
Central Sector: Two divisions moved to capture the strategic road junction at Nabatieh and the formidable PLO stronghold at Beaufort Castle.
Eastern Sector: The largest force advanced into the Syrian-controlled Bekaa Valley to prevent Syrian intervention and flank their positions.

The initial objective was to establish a 40km buffer zone, but the scale of the operation indicated far greater ambitions.

Operation Mole Cricket 19

A pivotal moment occurred on June 9, when the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched Operation Mole Cricket 19. In a stunning display of air power and electronic warfare, the IAF decimated the Syrian air defenses in the Bekaa Valley. Within hours, Israeli jets destroyed 17 of Syria's sophisticated Soviet-made surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries and shot down 29 Syrian fighter jets in the ensuing dogfights, all without a single Israeli jet being lost in air-to-air combat. This operation established complete air superiority for Israel, allowing its ground forces and attack helicopters to operate with near impunity for the remainder of the conventional phase of the war.

Key Battles and Engagements

The IDF's advance was marked by a series of intense battles. The capture of the heavily fortified Beaufort Castle by the Golani Brigade was a significant early victory. In the central sector, Israeli and Syrian forces clashed at the Battle of Jezzine. The advance along the coast involved fierce urban combat to clear PLO bases in the refugee camps of Tyre and Sidon, particularly at Ain al-Hilweh, which took over a week of heavy fighting to subdue. In the Bekaa Valley, a major armored engagement at Sultan Yacoub resulted in an Israeli battalion being ambushed, leading to significant IDF tank losses before they could extricate themselves.

The Siege of Beirut

Encirclement and Blockade

By June 14, Israeli forces had advanced up the coast and through the central mountains, cutting the critical Beirut-Damascus highway and completing the encirclement of West Beirut. This trapped thousands of PLO fighters and Syrian soldiers inside the city. Unwilling to incur the massive casualties expected from a direct assault, Israel laid siege to the capital. For two months, Israeli land, air, and sea forces subjected West Beirut to a relentless bombardment, while a naval blockade cut off all supplies by sea. The objective was to apply maximum pressure on the PLO to force their surrender and evacuation.

Diplomatic Intervention and PLO Evacuation

As the humanitarian crisis in Beirut worsened, international pressure mounted. U.S. special envoy Philip Habib engaged in intense shuttle diplomacy to negotiate a resolution. In late August, an agreement was reached. Under the supervision of a Multinational Force (MNF) composed of U.S., French, and Italian troops, over 14,000 PLO combatants, including Yasser Arafat, were evacuated from Lebanon by sea. They were dispersed to various Arab countries, with the PLO leadership relocating its headquarters to Tunis. In exchange for their departure, the U.S. provided assurances that Palestinian civilians remaining in the refugee camps would be protected.

Sabra and Shatila Massacre

The fragile peace was shattered on September 14 with the assassination of Lebanon's newly elected president, Bashir Gemayel. In response, Israeli forces entered West Beirut. The IDF then authorized its allied Lebanese Christian Phalangist militia to enter the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps to root out supposed PLO fighters. Over the next two days, while Israeli troops controlled the perimeter, the Phalangists carried out a brutal massacre, killing hundreds of unarmed civilians, mostly Palestinians and Lebanese Shiites. The event sparked international outrage and led to massive anti-war protests within Israel. An Israeli inquiry, the Kahan Commission, later found Defense Minister Ariel Sharon to bear "personal responsibility" for failing to foresee and prevent the atrocity.

Aftermath and Consequences

Political Fallout in Israel

The war, particularly the protracted Siege of Beirut and the Sabra and Shatila massacre, deeply divided Israeli society. What was presented as a limited, 40km operation had expanded into a full-scale war with shifting objectives. Public disillusionment grew with rising casualties and revelations that the government may have misled the public. This culminated in one of the largest demonstrations in Israeli history, where an estimated 400,000 people gathered in Tel Aviv to protest the war. The Kahan Commission's findings forced Ariel Sharon to resign as Defense Minister, though he remained in the cabinet, marking a significant moment of public accountability.

A New Geopolitical Landscape

The war dramatically reshaped the political and military landscape of Lebanon. The expulsion of the PLO created a power vacuum in the south, which was soon filled by emerging Shia Islamist militias. The Israeli occupation itself acted as a catalyst for the formation and growth of Hezbollah, which, with Iranian and Syrian support, would become Israel's most persistent and effective adversary. Israel's attempt to install a friendly government failed, and Syria's influence over Lebanon ultimately increased. The conflict ended not with a peace treaty, but with a long, low-intensity guerrilla war in the Israeli-occupied "security zone" that would last until 2000.

Human Cost of the War

The human cost of the 1982 war was immense, though precise figures remain contested. Lebanese sources estimated a total of 19,085 killed and 30,000 wounded by the end of August 1982, with a significant percentage being civilians. This does not include the victims of the Sabra and Shatila massacre, estimated to be between 800 and 3,500. The PLO suffered an estimated 1,000-2,400 fighters killed, while Syria lost around 1,200 soldiers. Israel's casualties from June 1982 to June 1985 totaled 654 killed in action. The war left a deep scar on the region, displacing populations and entrenching hostilities that persist to this day.

Opposing Forces

A Complex Array of Belligerents

The 1982 Lebanon War was not a simple two-sided conflict but involved a complex web of state armies, militias, and political factions with shifting alliances. The primary belligerents were the state of Israel and its Lebanese Christian allies against the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Syrian Armed Forces. However, numerous other Lebanese militias and international fighters also participated.

Faction	Belligerent Group	Estimated Strength
Israeli-led Alliance	Israel (IDF)	~78,000 troops, 800+ tanks, 1,500 APCs, 634 aircraft
	Lebanese Forces (LF)	~30,000 troops (primarily Christian militias)
	South Lebanon Army (SLA)	~5,000 troops, 97 tanks
PLO-Syrian Alliance	Syria	~22,000 troops in Lebanon, 352 tanks, 450 aircraft
	Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)	~15,000 fighters, 80 tanks, 350+ artillery pieces
	Lebanese National Resistance Front & Others	Various leftist and nationalist militias (e.g., Al-Mourabitoun, LCP)

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References

Note that scholars describe this variously as a pretext (i.e. an excuse for a pre-planned invasion) or as the actual provocation which sparked an otherwise avoidable conflict

Before the establishment of Israel, Palestinians were expelled by Zionist paramilitaries; after the establishment of Israel, Palestinians were expelled by the Israeli army itself

Uri Ben-Eliezer, War over Peace: One Hundred Years of Israel's Militaristic Nationalism, University of California Press (2019)

Gad Barzilai, Wars, Internal Conflicts, and Political Order: A Jewish Democracy in the Middle East, State University of New York Press (1996)

Kahalani, A Warriors Way, Shapolsky Publishers (1994) pp. 299â301

Friedman, Thomas L. "Israeli Jets Raid P.L.O. in Lebanon; Shelling follows". The New York Times, 10 May 1982, p. 1.

Gilad Sharon (2011). Sharon: The Life of a Leader. Translated by Mitch Ginsberg. Harper Collins. Chapter 14 [2]

×××¢× ×××¨×, ×××××ª ××× ×× â × ×× ×¤××¡××× ××§×× × Gil'ad Be'eri, "The Lebanon War" â "Confronting "Little Palestine" in Lebanon"

Gibler, Douglas M: International Conflicts, 1816â2010: Militarized Interstate Dispute Narratives, p. 695

"Flashback: Sabra and Shatila massacres", BBC News Online (London), 24 January 2002.

Armies in Lebanon 1982â84, Samuel Katz and Lee E. Russell, Osprey Men-At-Arms series No. 165, 1985

Uri Ben-Eliezer, War over Peace â One Hundred Years of Israel's Militaristic Nationalism, University of California Press (2019)

Gad Barzilai, Wars, Internal Conflicts, and Political Order â A Jewish Democracy in the Middle East, State University of New York Press (1996)

Imperfect Compromise: A New Consensus Among Israelis and Palestinians, Michael I. Karpin

American Jewish Committee Archives American Jewish Yearbook 1985. p. 126.

American Jewish Committee Archives American Jewish Yearbook 1985. p. 130.

American Jewish Committee Archives, American Jewish Yearbook 1985. p. 260.

Arak, Joel (29 October 2004). "Osama Bin Laden Warns America: Terror Leader Admits For First Time That He Ordered 9/11 Attacks", CBS News.

A full list of references for this article are available at the 1982 Lebanon War Wikipedia page

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This is not professional military or political analysis. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for academic research or consultation with experts in military history, international relations, or Middle Eastern studies. The 1982 Lebanon War is a complex and sensitive topic with multiple perspectives and interpretations. This content should be used as a starting point for further study, not as a definitive historical account.

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Conflict in Galilee

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An Overview of the Conflict ℹ️

🇱🇧 Operation Peace for Galilee

🎯 Israel's Strategic Objectives

⚖️ A War of Inconclusive Results

The Path to War 📜

🇵🇸 The PLO in Lebanon: A State Within a State

🕊️ The Habib Ceasefire of 1981

💥 The Pretext for Invasion

The Israeli Invasion 🗺️

➡️ The Three-Pronged Advance

✈️ Operation Mole Cricket 19

🏰 Key Battles and Engagements

The Siege of Beirut 🏙️

🚧 Encirclement and Blockade

🕊️ Diplomatic Intervention and PLO Evacuation

🩸 Sabra and Shatila Massacre

Aftermath and Consequences 📊

🇮🇱 Political Fallout in Israel

🔄 A New Geopolitical Landscape

💔 Human Cost of the War

Opposing Forces 🛡️

⚔️ A Complex Array of Belligerents

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

An Overview of the Conflict

Operation Peace for Galilee

Israel's Strategic Objectives

A War of Inconclusive Results

The Path to War

The PLO in Lebanon: A State Within a State

The Habib Ceasefire of 1981

The Pretext for Invasion

The Israeli Invasion

The Three-Pronged Advance

Operation Mole Cricket 19

Key Battles and Engagements

The Siege of Beirut

Encirclement and Blockade

Diplomatic Intervention and PLO Evacuation

Sabra and Shatila Massacre

Aftermath and Consequences

Political Fallout in Israel

A New Geopolitical Landscape

Human Cost of the War

Opposing Forces

A Complex Array of Belligerents

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice