Key topic 3: Attempts at a solution, 1974–95 - 2 The Palestinian issue:…

The idea

In response to continuous PLO attacks from southern Lebanon, Israel launched frequent military reprisals. In June 1982, following the attempted assassination of the Israeli ambassador in London, Israel launched a full-scale invasion of Lebanon, termed 'Operation Peace for Galilee'. The objective was to destroy PLO infrastructure and push their forces back 40 kilometres. Israeli forces advanced rapidly, besieging Beirut. The results were profound: the PLO was forced to evacuate Lebanon and relocate its headquarters to Tunis, severely weakening its military capability. However, the invasion also led to international condemnation of Israel, particularly after the Sabra and Shatila massacres, and sparked the creation of Hezbollah.

What earns the marks

• Identify the causes of the 1982 invasion: ongoing PLO attacks and the trigger event of the ambassador's attempted assassination.
• Describe the scale of the invasion, noting that Israeli forces advanced much further than initially stated, reaching Beirut.
• Explain the primary result for the PLO: forced evacuation from Lebanon to Tunisia, reducing their direct military threat to Israel.
• Detail the negative consequences for Israel, including international outrage over civilian casualties and the Sabra and Shatila massacres.
• Note the long-term result of the invasion: the emergence of Hezbollah as a new, militant anti-Israeli force in Lebanon.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Stating that Israeli forces committed the Sabra and Shatila massacres.

  Put it right: The massacres were carried out by Lebanese Christian Phalangist militias, though Israel was condemned for allowing them access to the camps.

• Assuming the 1982 invasion permanently secured Israel's northern border.

  Put it right: While the PLO was removed, they were replaced by Hezbollah, leading to ongoing conflict.

• Confusing the 1982 invasion with the 1978 Litani Operation.

  Put it right: The 1982 invasion was much larger in scale, reaching the capital, Beirut, whereas the 1978 operation was confined to the south.

Exam tips

• Use the term 'Operation Peace for Galilee' to show precise knowledge of the Israeli military campaign.
• When discussing results, ensure you cover both the immediate military outcome (PLO expulsion) and the longer-term political fallout (international condemnation, rise of Hezbollah).
• Be precise about the events at Sabra and Shatila, clearly distinguishing between the perpetrators and the Israeli military's role.