June 6, 1982 · All of Lebanon Theater
June 6, 1982
On June 6, 1982, Israel launched its largest military operation since 1973, sending over 76,000 troops and 1,240 tanks into Lebanon in three columns aimed at encircling Beirut and destroying the PLO. Defense Minister Ariel Sharon's plan went far beyond the stated objective of securing northern Israel from rocket fire; it aimed to reshape Lebanon's political map by installing Bashir Gemayel as president and expelling the PLO entirely. Israeli forces swept through southern Lebanon and reached the outskirts of Beirut within days.
Commanders