Military History|Lebanon Conflicts
Launched to expel the PLO from Lebanon, the 1982 Lebanon War marked Israel’s most extensive military operation since 1967. It resulted in the siege of Beirut, heavy casualties, and long-term entanglement in Lebanese affairs, including the emergence of Hezbollah.
The 1982 Lebanon War, also called Operation Peace for Galilee, began as an Israeli effort to drive the PLO out of southern Lebanon following persistent cross-border attacks. Led by Defense Minister Ariel Sharon, the campaign escalated into a siege of Beirut and widespread combat throughout Lebanon. Israel aimed to reshape Lebanon’s political landscape and install a pro-Israeli government. While initially successful in expelling the PLO, the war led to entanglement in Lebanon’s civil strife and the rise of Hezbollah. The war generated intense political debate in Israel and left a lasting imprint on its regional posture.
