Lebanese War (1982)
Background
Lebanon is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse religious and ethnic communities, and its position as a hub for trade and commerce in the region. However, Lebanon has also faced significant challenges throughout its history, including periods of conflict and political instability, economic difficulties, and external pressures from regional powers. Despite these challenges, Lebanon remains a unique and vibrant country, with a rich cultural heritage marked by resilience.
The Lebanese Civil War was a multifaceted conflict that lasted from 1975 to 1990, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 120,000 people and the displacement of hundreds of thousands more. The war was characterized by sectarian divisions and rivalries between various religious and political groups, including Christians, Muslims, Druze, and Palestinians. It was sparked by political and social tensions that had been building for years, including issues of inequality, political corruption, and economic stagnation. The war was marked by periods of intense fighting, foreign interventions, and war crimes committed by various sides. The conflict was eventually resolved through the Taif Agreement, which established a new power-sharing system in Lebanon and paved the way for the country's post-war reconstruction. However, many of the underlying issues that contributed to the outbreak of the war persist in Lebanon to this day, and the conflict remains a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of sectarianism and political instability.
The 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon had far-reaching consequences for both Lebanon and the region. The invasion, which aimed to remove the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) from southern Lebanon and establish a new order, resulted in significant human suffering and destruction. Israeli forces, along with their allied Lebanese militias, carried out a military campaign that lasted several months. The consequences of the invasion were devastating: numerous civilian casualties, extensive damage to infrastructure, and the displacement of thousands of people. The invasion also led to a prolonged period of instability and violence in Lebanon, including the Sabra and Shatila massacres, which further exacerbated tensions. Furthermore, the invasion sparked internal conflicts among different factions within Lebanon and heightened sectarian divisions. The long-term consequences of the invasion continue to be felt, including the further destabilization of the region and the emergence of new militant groups. The events of 1982 left a lasting impact on Lebanon's political, social, and economic landscape, and its ramifications continue to shape the country's trajectory to this day.
This website is dedicated to providing information and resources about the 1982 invasion and the Lebanese Civil War which surrounds it, one of the most significant conflicts in the modern history of the Middle East. The goal is to provide visitors with a comprehensive and engaging platform to learn about the war, its causes, its impact, and its legacy. Through detailed timelines, descriptions of key events and battles, and profiles of major players, it is hoped that visitors may gain a deeper understanding of the complex political, social, and economic factors that contributed to the outbreak of the war. Furthermore, the website also provides other resources, providing cited information and visitors with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of this important and poignant chapter in Lebanese history.
Timeline
(Civil War, Invasion, Subsequent Events)
(Civil War, Invasion, Subsequent Events)
· April 13, 1975: A civil war erupts in Lebanon after a bus carrying Palestinians is attacked in Beirut. The attack is believed to have been carried out by right-wing Christian militants, but at this date it is uncertain who was responsible.
· April 18, 1975: The Syrian Army intervenes to support Christian factions, which are aligned with Syria's ruling Baath Party. The intervention is seen as a move to counter the influence of other Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq, which are supporting different factions in Lebanon.
· January 21, 1976: The Syrian Army, with the backing of Muslim factions, launches an offensive against Christian militias in the city of Zahle. The battle lasts for two months and results in heavy damage to the city, but the Christian militias are able to hold their ground.
· June 4-7, 1976: The Battle of the Hotels takes place in Beirut, in which leftist and Muslim militias launch a surprise attack on Christian militias in several hotels within the city. The battle results in heavy casualties and destruction, and is seen as a turning point in the war, with the balance of power shifting in favor of the leftist and Muslim factions.
· October 1976: An Arab League summit in Riyadh leads to the deployment of an Arab Deterrent Force to Lebanon to maintain peace. The force is made up of troops from several Arab countries, including Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, but it is largely ineffective in stopping the fighting.
· March 16, 1978: Israel launches Operation Litani, a military invasion of southern Lebanon, in response to attacks by Palestinian militants. The invasion results in the creation of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is tasked with ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon and maintaining peace and security in the area.
· September 1982: Israel launches a full-scale invasion of Lebanon, with the goal of removing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from the country and establishing a friendly government. The Israeli military occupies much of Lebanon, including Beirut, and imposes a naval blockade on the country. The invasion results in heavy civilian casualties, with an estimated number of 18,000, and damage to infrastructure.
· September 14-16, 1982: The Sabra and Shatila massacre takes place in Beirut, in which Lebanese Christian militiamen kill hundreds to thousands of Palestinian refugees, while Israeli forces surround the camps. The massacre is widely condemned by the international community and leads to calls for an independent investigation.
· 1983: Suicide bombings target the U.S. embassy and Marine barracks in Beirut, killing over 300 people. The bombings are carried out by militants affiliated with Hizbullah, a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon.
· 1985: Israel withdraws from most of Lebanon, but maintains a presence in a buffer zone in the south. The withdrawal is met with celebrations in Beirut and other cities, but the situation in the country remains tense, with ongoing fighting between different factions.
· 1988: The term of Lebanese President Amine Gemayel ends, but no successor is elected due to political deadlock. The country is left without a president for over a year, and the government is paralyzed by infighting and corruption.
· October 22, 1989: The Taif Agreement is signed in Saudi Arabia, which calls for a new constitution and power-sharing between different religious groups in Lebanon. The agreement is seen as a major step towards ending the civil war, and paves the way for a new government to be formed.
· 1990: Syrian forces, backed by Lebanese militias, launch a full-scale attack on Christian militias and take control of Beirut, effectively ending the civil war. The attack was met with little resistance, and many Lebanese welcomed the end of the conflict.
· 2005: The Cedar Revolution takes place in Lebanon, with protests calling for the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the country. The protests were sparked by the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was killed in a bombing in Beirut. The protests were successful, and Syria withdrew its troops from Lebanon.
Causes
Political Factors: The invasion was in no small part influenced by the wider Lebanese Civil War, which was sparked by a complex web of political factors that had been building for decades. One key issue was the country's system of power-sharing, which allocated positions of authority based on sectarian identity. This system created tensions between different religious groups and exacerbated sectarian divisions. Additionally, political corruption was rampant in Lebanon at the time, with government officials accused of embezzlement, nepotism, and other forms of graft. This further undermined public trust in the government and fueled public discontent. This contributed to an unstable political environment which allowed organizations like Palestine Liberation Organization in the to operate in the country throughout the 70s and 80s, armed with Syrian support and influence, which, in Israel's view, was unfavorable to their nation's security.
Social Factors: Lebanon was a deeply divided society in the years leading up to the civil war. The country's religious and ethnic communities had distinct identities, cultures, and histories, and tensions between them often boiled over into violence. The country was also home to a large population of Palestinian refugees, who had fled to Lebanon following the creation of Israel in 1948. The presence of the Palestinians in Lebanon further complicated the country's social fabric, as they were seen as a threat by some and welcomed by others, fueling conflict which often spilled over the border into Israeli, with this circumstance working to the benefit of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
Economic Factors: The Lebanese economy was in crisis in the years leading up to the civil war, with high levels of inflation, unemployment, and debt. Economic disparities between different regions and communities further contributed to social and political tensions. Additionally, the war in neighboring Syria, which began in 1971, disrupted trade and commerce between the two countries, further exacerbating Lebanon's economic woes. The economic hardship faced by many Lebanese citizens, combined with political corruption and sectarian tensions, created a volatile mix that ultimately erupted into violence in 1975. This only worsened throughout the length of the war, and, despite some direction towards stabilization in the Political process, the involvement of the Israeli armed forces in the conflict only deepened the desperate financial situation.
Battles and Operations
A segment which covers the major military engagements and operations that took place during the war, with brief descriptions of the battles and their contexts.
Battle of the Hotels (1975) - A fierce clash between the Christian militias and the Lebanese National Movement (LNM) in Beirut.
Syrian intervention (1976) - The Syrian army intervened in Lebanon to help restore peace and to support the Lebanese government against the PLO.
Siege of Tel al-Zaatar (1976) - A 52-day siege by Christian militias of a Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.
Israeli invasion of Lebanon (1982) - A full-scale Israeli military operation that aimed to eliminate the PLO from Lebanon, which led to a long-term Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon.
The War of the Camps (1985-1988) - A series of battles fought between rival Palestinian factions for control of refugee camps in Lebanon.
Battle of Souk El Gharb (1983) - A fierce battle between the Lebanese Army and Druze militia, resulting in the Lebanese Army taking control of the strategic town of Souk El Gharb.
Battle of Zahle (1981-1983) - A prolonged battle fought between the Lebanese Forces and the Syrian Army over the city of Zahle.
Operation Accountability (1993) - A military operation carried out by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) against Hizbullah targets in southern Lebanon.
Battle of Beirut (1982) - A prolonged siege of the city by Israeli forces that resulted in the expulsion of PLO forces from Lebanon.
Israeli Invasion (1982)
The 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon was a major event in the Lebanese Civil War, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The invasion was carried out by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in response to attacks by Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) forces based in Lebanon against Israeli targets. The IDF launched a massive military operation that aimed to eliminate the PLO's military presence in Lebanon and establish a friendly government there. The operation, known as Operation Peace for Galilee, lasted for over three months, and resulted in the deaths of thousands of Lebanese and Palestinian civilians.
The invasion sparked widespread protests and condemnation from the international community, as well as from many Lebanese and Palestinian groups. The IDF's military campaign was marked by numerous incidents of civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and human rights abuses. The PLO was eventually expelled from Lebanon, but the operation also led to the rise of other militant groups, such as Hizbullah, which continue to play a significant role in Lebanese politics to this day. The Israeli invasion of Lebanon also had far-reaching geopolitical implications, as it drew in neighboring countries such as Syria and Iran into the conflict. The invasion also marked the beginning of a long-term Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon, which continued until Israel's unilateral withdrawal from Lebanon in the year 2000.
Sabra and Shatila Massacre (1982)
The Sabra and Shatila massacre was a tragic event that took place in September 15 to 18, 1982 during the Israeli occupation of Lebanon. Following the assassination of Lebanese President-elect Bachir Gemayel, Christian militias entered the Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila under the supervision of Israeli forces. Over the course of three days, between 460 and 3,500 civilians, mostly Palestinians refugees and Lebanese Shiites and consisting of mainly women, children, and elderly individuals, were brutally killed. The exact number of victims remains disputed, but it is widely recognized as a horrific act of violence. The massacre shocked the world and sparked international outrage, leading to calls for accountability and justice. The event underscored the urgent need for protecting civilians during armed conflicts and served as a stark reminder of the human cost of war. The Sabra and Shatila massacre remains a painful chapter in Lebanon's history and a somber reminder of the atrocities committed during the Lebanese Civil War.
Major Players
Political Leaders
The 1982 War and Civil War involved a number of political leaders who played significant roles in shaping the conflict.
Bashir Gemayel (بشير الجميّل)
A prominent figure in Lebanese politics who played a major role in the early stages of the war, Bashir Pierre Gemayel was a Lebanese political figure known for his leadership and commitment to his country. Born on November 10, 1947, he emerged as a prominent figure during the Lebanese Civil War, leading the Phalange Party's militia forces after joining the South Lebanon Army, and advocating for the protection of the Christian community. In 1982, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming Lebanon's president-elect, symbolizing hope for national unity and reform. His political career was cut short when he was assassinated on September 14, 1982, just days before he was scheduled to take office. Shortly after Gemayel's assassination, the tragedy of the Sabra and Shatila massacre took place as what was described as an act of revenge.
Walid Jumblatt (وليد جنبلاط)
Walid Jumblatt is the current leader of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) since 1977 and has been actively involved in Lebanese politics for decades. Born on August 7, 1949, he hails from the influential Jumblatt family and has inherited a legacy of leadership. He is known for his astute political maneuvering and ability to navigate complex alliances in the ever-changing landscape of Lebanese politics. Jumblatt has played a significant role in advocating for the rights of the Druze community, having helped mobilize the Druze fighters during the conflict as well as participating in various political coalitions to promote stability and progress in Lebanon. His political acumen and strong influence have made him a key figure in shaping Lebanon's political landscape. To this day, he continues to be active in politics, having led the Progressive Socialist Party in the 2022 Lebanese general election.
Menachem Begin (מנחם בגין)
Menachem Begin, born on August 16, 1913 in Belarus, was an Israeli politician and leader of the Zionist militant group Irgun. While also the Israeli Prime Minister at the time, Begin played a pivotal role in the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Begin, infamous for his staunch nationalist views, authorized the military campaign with the aim of eliminating the perceived threat posed by Palestinian militants operating from southern Lebanon. The invasion, which began in June 1982, saw Israeli forces push deep into Lebanese territory. Begin's government, in collaboration with allied Christian militias, sought to establish a new political order in Lebanon and create a buffer zone along the Israeli-Lebanese border. However, the invasion also brought significant international criticism, particularly due to the Sabra and Shatila massacres, which occurred under Israeli occupation. Begin's decision to invade Lebanon had profound consequences, reshaping the dynamics of the conflict and leaving a lasting impact on Lebanon and the region as a whole.
Ariel Sharon (אֲרִיאֵל שָׁרוֹן)
Born on February 26, 1928, Ariel Sharon was an Israeli politician and Israeli Defense Minister during the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Sharon played a key role in shaping the military strategy and execution of the operation. Known for his aggressive approach, Sharon was a strong advocate for the invasion and sought to eradicate the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) threat from southern Lebanon. Under his command, Israeli forces swiftly advanced deep into Lebanese territory. However, Sharon's decision-making and handling of the conflict faced significant criticism, particularly in relation to the Sabra and Shatila massacres. These brutal events, carried out by Christian militias allied with Israel, occurred in Palestinian refugee camps and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. The invasion and its consequences marked a defining chapter in Sharon's military and political career, with ongoing debates surrounding his level of responsibility for the atrocities committed during the campaign.
Militia Leaders
There were a number of powerful militia leaders who rose to prominence during the war.
Samir Geagea (سمير جعجع)
Samir Geagea, a prominent Lebanese political figure, was intricately involved in the events surrounding the 1982 invasion of Lebanon. Born on October 25, 1952, he emerged as a key leader within the Lebanese Forces (LF), a right-wing Christian political and military organization. Geagea played a significant role during the Lebanese Civil War, where the LF was involved in various military operations. During the invasion, the LF collaborated with Israeli forces in their military operations. Geagea rose through the ranks to become one of the most influential leaders of the Lebanese Forces. He was known for his strong and assertive leadership style, which earned him both support and criticism. In 1994, Gaegea faced arrest and imprisonment for accusations of the involvement of the LF in the bombing of the Church of Sayyidet Al Net (Our Lady of Deliverance). Gaegea was released from prison in 2005, and remains active in Lebanese politics. In 2022, Gaegea made a public statement on his belief of "how the grip of Hizbullah on Lebanon must end."
Saad Haadad (سعد حداد)
Saad Haddad was a prominent figure during the Lebanese Civil War as the leader of the South Lebanon Army (SLA) militia. Established with Israeli support, the SLA was predominantly composed of Christian fighters who operated in southern Lebanon. Haddad played a key role in collaborating with Israeli forces, effectively forming a buffer zone in the region. Under his leadership, the SLA conducted military operations against various Lebanese and Palestinian factions. Haddad's alliance with Israel and his militant actions earned him both support and criticism. While seen by some as a protector of Christian interests, others accused him of collaborating with foreign forces and exacerbating sectarian tensions. Haddad's tenure as the leader of the SLA had a significant impact on the dynamics of the Lebanese Civil War and the political landscape in southern Lebanon during that period. Saad Haadad died in his hometown of Marjaayoun, Lebanon from cancer in January 1984.
Hizbullah (حزب الله)
While Hizbullah did not emerge as a major player in the Lebanese Civil War until later in the conflict, the group played a significant role in shaping the post-war political landscape of Lebanon. Hizbullah is a Shi'a Islamist political and militant group that was formed in the 1980s, in response to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. During the civil war, Hizbullah was a small and relatively unknown group, but it gained prominence in the years following the conflict due to its military and political activities. Today, Hizbullah is one of the most powerful political and military forces in Lebanon, with a significant presence in the country's parliament and government.
The documents collected in Hizbullah's Documents: From the 1985 Open Letter to the 2009 Manifesto provide valuable insights into the evolution of Hizbullah's political ideology and its role in the Lebanese Civil War. The documents reveal that Hizbullah was founded in response to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon and was initially focused on armed resistance against the occupation. Over time, the group's political ideology evolved to encompass a broader range of issues, including opposition to American and Western influence in the region, support for the Palestinian cause, and the promotion of an Islamic state. The documents also highlight the close relationship between Hizbullah and Iran, with Iran providing financial and military support to the group throughout the conflict. Ultimately, the documents show that Hizbullah played a significant role in the Lebanese Civil War and that the conflict helped to shape the group's political ideology and rise to power in Lebanon.
Lebanese National Movement
(الحركة الوطنية اللبنانية)
(الحركة الوطنية اللبنانية)
The Lebanese National Movement (LNM) emerged as a significant political force during the Lebanese Civil War. Comprising an alliance of leftist, nationalist, and pan-Arabist groups, the LNM aimed to challenge the prevailing political establishment and address social and economic inequalities. Led by figures such as Kamal Jumblatt and his son Walid Jumblatt, the movement advocated for a more inclusive and equitable Lebanon. The LNM called for political reforms, the empowerment of marginalized communities, and the rejection of foreign interference. It played a crucial role in mobilizing popular support and resistance against various factions involved in the civil war, particularly during the early stages of the conflict. However, the LNM was not a homogeneous entity, and internal divisions eventually weakened its unity. Despite this, the movement left a lasting impact on Lebanese politics, contributing to the socio-political discourse and shaping the aspirations of progressive forces within the country.
Lebanese Resistance Regiments/
Amal Movement (حركة أمل)
Amal Movement (حركة أمل)
The Amal Movement is a Lebanese political and social movement that originated during the Lebanese Civil War and continues to be active today. Founded by Musa al-Sadr in the 1970s, the movement sought to address the grievances of Lebanon's marginalized Shiite population. Amal's primary objectives included social justice, political empowerment, and the protection of Shiite rights. During the civil war, Amal established a militia that played a significant role in defending Shiite communities and asserting their political influence. Amal's ideology combines elements of Shiite Islam, nationalism, and resistance against Israeli occupation. While the movement has participated in Lebanese politics and held parliamentary seats, it has also faced internal divisions and rivalries with other political groups, notably Hezbollah. Nonetheless, Amal remains an influential force in Lebanese politics, advocating for the interests of the Shiite community and actively engaging in socio-political affairs.
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)
Established in 1964 with a goal of promoting Palestinian nationalism and realizing Palestinian self-determination, the Palestinian Liberation Organization was and is still often seen as the representative of the Palestinian people and their plight. Their presence in Lebanon during the 1970s and 1980s was one of the driving forces behind the Israeli invasion in 1982, as the PLO maintained what amounted to a state-within-a-state in Lebanon, with its own territory and armed forces. Based in Beirut in 1982, the Israeli armed forces worked to drive out the PLO and establish a security zone within Lebanon to resist against PLO incursions into their nation. Though devoted and heavily resistant to the Israeli assault, the PLO was forced to leave Lebanon as a direct result of Israeli involvement. However, the departure was not seen as a total strategic loss for the PLO, who had gained much politically from the violent nature of the Israeli invasion. A great degree of international pressure was placed on Israeli to halt the war, and the PLO left Beirut in what seemed more a parade than a defeat. They would relocate to Tunisia in October, a relatively stable home compared to those nations surrounding Israel and Lebanon, but this ultimately weakened their ability to influence the course of the Palestinian cause as directly.
Yasser Arafat (ياسر عرفات)
A leading figure in the Palestinian cause and in Palestinian politics, Arafat was born in Cairo, Egypt, on August 24, 1929. Arafat played a crucial role in the Palestinian national movement and the establishment of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). The PLO had established a strong presence in Lebanon, particularly in refugee camps such as Sabra and Shatila. However, when the Israeli invasion of Lebanon took place in 1982, Arafat and the PLO faced a severe military assault. Israeli forces aimed to remove the PLO from Lebanese territory and weaken their influence. As a result, Arafat and the PLO were forced to evacuate Beirut and relocate to Tunisia. The events of 1982 marked a major setback for the PLO and significantly altered the dynamics of the Palestinian struggle in Lebanon. It also represented a turning point in Arafat's leadership, as he had to navigate the challenges posed by the Israeli invasion and reorganize the PLO's operations from outside Lebanon. Despite his efforts, a final resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remained elusive during his lifetime. Arafat's legacy continues to be debated, with some viewing him as a freedom fighter and others as a controversial figure.
Legacy and Aftermath
The Lebanese Civil War and the 1982 invasion which came alongside it had a profound impact on the country and its people, and the legacy of the conflict can still be seen in Lebanon today. One of the most significant legacies of the war is the continued sectarian tensions that exist in the country. These tensions played a major role in the conflict, and they continue to be a source of tension and division in Lebanese society. This has led to ongoing political instability, with different factions vying for power and influence, often based on their religious affiliation.
Another legacy of the war is the impact it had on Lebanon's economy and infrastructure. During the conflict, large parts of the country were destroyed, and many people were displaced from their homes. Despite efforts to rebuild and restore the country, the war left a lasting impact on Lebanon's economy and infrastructure, which has made it difficult for the country to fully recover. This has contributed to ongoing social unrest and protests in recent years, as people continue to struggle with the legacy of the war and the ongoing challenges it presents.
The aftermath of the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon left a profound and lasting impact on the country and the wider region. While the invasion succeeded in expelling the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) from Lebanon, it also resulted in significant human suffering and widespread destruction. The invasion further intensified existing divisions and sectarian tensions within Lebanon, leading to a prolonged period of instability and violence. The Sabra and Shatila massacres, carried out by Lebanese militias allied with Israel, shocked the world and added to the immense human toll of the conflict. The invasion also contributed to the fragmentation of Lebanon, with different factions vying for power and control. Furthermore, the presence of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and the subsequent rise of Lebanese resistance movements, such as Hezbollah, further complicated the situation. The consequences of the invasion were not limited to Lebanon alone, as it also had broader regional implications, including the reshaping of political alliances and the perpetuation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The scars left by the 1982 invasion continue to be felt in Lebanon, and its repercussions continue to shape the country's political, social, and economic landscape.