The conflict between Israel, Lebanon and Syria – By Dr Harold Gunatillake The conflict between Israel, Lebanon, and Syria is deeply rooted in historical, political, and territorial disputes. Historical Background 1. Israel-Lebanon Conflict: 1970s: The conflict began in earnest when the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was expelled from Jordan and moved its base to southern Lebanon, launching attacks on Israel1.1978: Israel invaded Lebanon in Operation Litani to clear Palestinian militants from the south. Israeli soldiers Image Source : gettyimages 1982: Israel launched a more extensive invasion, reaching Beirut, in response to PLO attacks1.1982: Israel invades Israel invades In June 1982, exasperated by the failure of Unifil to eliminate the Palestinian groups and other militia in the south, Israel reinvaded Lebanon in “Operation Peace for Galilee”. This time, the army marched as far as Beirut and remained there until September 29 1982, after the PLO officially withdrew from Beirut (to Tunisia). Israel ...