The Invasion of Lebanon: A Historical Turning Point

The year 1982 marked a turning point in the turbulent history of the Middle East with the invasion of Lebanon by Israel. Dubbed Operation Peace for Galilee, this conflict would have far-reaching consequences and profoundly impact the region for decades to come.

When Reagan Sent In the Marines: The Invasion of Lebanon

by Patrick J. Sloyan

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15404 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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The Historical Context

To understand the invasion, we must delve into the complex political landscape of the region. Lebanon had been embroiled in a protracted civil war since 1975, with various factions vying for power. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO),led by Yasser Arafat, had established a stronghold in southern Lebanon from where they launched attacks into northern Israel.

Israel, led by Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Defense Minister Ariel Sharon, perceived the PLO's presence as an existential threat. They argued that the invasion was necessary to eliminate this threat and establish a 40-kilometer security zone along the Lebanese bFree Download.

The Invasion and its Aftermath

On June 6, 1982, Israeli forces launched a massive invasion of Lebanon. The offensive, supported by air strikes and naval bombardment, quickly overwhelmed Lebanese defenses. By mid-June, Israeli troops had reached Beirut and surrounded the PLO headquarters.

The invasion sparked international outcry and condemnation. The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 508, demanding an immediate Israeli withdrawal. However, Israel refused to comply, arguing that they would only leave after achieving their objectives.

The Sabra and Shatila Massacre

One of the darkest chapters of the Lebanese invasion was the Sabra and Shatila massacre, which occurred in September 1982. While Israeli forces occupied West Beirut, Lebanese Christian militia, known as the Phalangists, entered the Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila and carried out a brutal massacre.

The massacre, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, sparked worldwide outrage and led to an Israeli inquiry that implicated senior Israeli officials in failing to prevent it.

The Legacy of the Invasion

The invasion of Lebanon had a profound and lasting impact on the region. It:

• Exacerbated the Lebanese Civil War and led to the collapse of the central government.
• Strengthened the position of Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia Islamist group.
• Eroded international support for Israel and damaged its reputation.
• Led to the creation of the Multinational Force in Lebanon (MNF),a peacekeeping force that remained in the country until 1984.

The invasion of Lebanon was a pivotal event in the history of the Middle East. Its ramifications continue to shape the region today. The conflict exposed the deep divisions within Lebanese society, the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the challenges of maintaining peace in a volatile region.

Understanding this historical event is crucial for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of the Middle East and its enduring legacy.

When Reagan Sent In the Marines: The Invasion of Lebanon

by Patrick J. Sloyan

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15404 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages

FREE