1978 - 1982

1978, March 14 and 15 - In reprisal for a Palestinian attack into its territory, Israel launches a major invasion of Lebanon, occupying land as far north as the Litani River.

1978, March 19 - The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passes Resolution 425, which calls on Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territory and establishes the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to confirm the Israeli withdrawal, restore peace, and help the Lebanese government re-establish its authority in the area.

1978 - By 13 June Israel hands over territory in southern Lebanon not to UNIFIL, but to its proxy Lebanese militia (SLA – South Lebanon Army) under the command of Saa'd Haddad.

1982, June 6 - Following the attempted assassination of Shlomo Argov, Israeli ambassador to the U.K., Israel launches a full-scale invasion of Lebanon, "Operation Peace for Galilee".

1982, September 14 - President-elect, Bashir El-Gemayel, is assassinated. The following day, Israeli forces occupy West Beirut, and through their Phalangist allies under the command of Elie Hobeika, kill Palestinians in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in West Beirut, from 16 to 18 September.

1982, September 21 - Bashir's elder brother, Amin El-Gemayel, is elected president.

1982, September 24 - The first contingent of a mainly US, French, and Italian peacekeeping force, requested by the Lebanese Government, arrives in Beirut.