In the early 1970s, tension along the Israel-Lebanon border increased significantly, especially after the relocation of Palestinian armed elements from Jordan to Lebanon. Palestinian commando operations against Israel and Israeli reprisals against Palestinian bases in Lebanon intensified.
On March 11, 1978, a commando attack in Israel resulted in many dead and wounded among the Israeli population. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) claimed responsibility for that raid. On the night of March 14th, Israeli forces invaded Lebanon in response. Within several days, Israeli forces occupied the entire southern part of the country except for the city of Tyre and its surrounding area. The Lebanese Government submitted a strong protest to the Security Council against the Israeli invasion, stating that it had no connection with the Palestinian commando operation.
On March 19th, the Security Council adopted resolutions 425 and 426 which called on Israel to cease its military operations in Lebanon. They also established the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restore international peace and security and assist the Lebanese Government in re-establishing its authority in the area.
When Israeli forces completed their withdrawal from Lebanon in June 1978, they handed over their positions in the border area to Lebanese irregular forces (Christian and associated militias). These forces were supported and supplied by Israel. The area remained tense with frequent exchanges of gunfire between the two sides. In July 1981, a de facto cease-fire came into effect, and the area remained calm until mid-1982.
On June 5, 1982, Israeli forces launched a massive invasion of South Lebanon following several days of intense exchanges of fire in southern Lebanon and across the Israel-Lebanon border. On that same day, the Security Council adopted resolution 508, which called for an immediate cease-fire. By June 8th, the UNIFIL area of operation had fallen under Israeli control and the force had to operate behind Israeli lines. As Israeli forces neared west Beirut, the situation in and around the Lebanese capital became increasing critical. On August 1st, the Security Council adopted resolution 516 on learning that an Israeli unit had entered west Beirut. The resolution demanded an immediate end to all military activities within Lebanon and across the Lebanese-Israeli border. It also authorized the Secretary-General to deploy immediately, at the request of the Government of Lebanon, United Nations observers to monitor the situation in and around Beirut.
On August 3rd, a United Nations observer mission in Beirut (Observer Group Beirut) became operational. However, it was made up of only the 10 UNTSO observers already stationed in Beirut because Israel prevented additional observers from reaching the capital. The next day, the Security Council expressed shock and alarm at the consequences of the Israeli invasion of Beirut, took note of the PLO's decision to remove the Palestinian armed forces from Beirut and authorized an increased number of United Nations observers in and around that city.
As hostilities continued, the Security Council called for a halt to military activities, and demanded that Israel withdraw to the internationally recognized boundaries and lift the blockade of Beirut. Finally, a cease-fire went into effect on August 12th. However, the cease-fire did not end the fighting in Lebanon. Hostilities would continue for many more years.
From Basic Facts About the United Nations. Published by United Nations Department of Public Information. Copyright 1995 United Nations.
