This episode details Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon, driven by Ariel Sharon's ambition to eliminate the PLO and reshape the Middle East. Despite initial promises of a limited operation, Israeli forces besieged West Beirut, leading to the PLO's negotiated exit and, tragically, the Sabra and Shatila massacre of Palestinian and Lebanese civilians, for which Israel was later found indirectly responsible.
Summarized by Podsumo
Lebanon's Pre-War Instability: Once a cosmopolitan hub, Lebanon's internal divisions and the 1969 Cairo Accords transformed it into a reluctant host and launchpad for Palestinian militants, setting the stage for conflict.
Ariel Sharon's Hidden Agenda: As Defence Minister, Sharon's true objective was a full-scale invasion to destroy the PLO, install a pro-Israel Christian president, and weaken Syria, a plan he largely concealed from his own cabinet.
The Siege of West Beirut: Following a pretext assassination attempt, Israel launched a massive invasion, besieging West Beirut for 70 days with intense bombings, eventually leading to the PLO's negotiated departure under US guarantees.
Sabra and Shatila Massacre: The premature withdrawal of US Marines and the assassination of President-elect Bashir Gemayel created a vacuum, enabling Lebanese Christian militias, with Israeli forces providing illumination, to commit a horrific massacre of civilians in the refugee camps.
Aftermath and Israeli Outcry: The Kahan Commission found Israel indirectly responsible for the massacre, leading to Sharon's resignation as Defence Minister and the largest peace protest in Israeli history, with 400,000 Israelis denouncing the war.
"Mr. Prime Minister, I have a Holocaust on my screen."
— Ronald Reagan
"Arabs will kill Arabs. Great."
— Israeli Commander
"You promised us you wouldn't do this, you promised us that you wouldn't go into West Bayroute you have to leave now."
— Morris Draper