Date of Graduation

2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

Committee Chair

Wesley M. Bagby

Abstract

On June 6, 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon. Defense Minister Ariel Sharon was the invasion’s planner. Some American officials backed the invasion, because the PLO and Syria had obtained weapons from the Soviets. The United States also had a history of aiding Israel. Nevertheless, America attempted to make peace between Israel and its enemies. The United States sent marines to Lebanon twice. On October 23, 1983, 241 Americans were killed in a bombing attributed to an Iranian-supported group. On February 8, 1984, President Reagan withdrew American forces to ships off shore. This paper discusses three aspects of the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, including whether the Israelis should have invaded Lebanon, Israel’s relations with the U.S., and consequences of the invasion. It covers the time period between June 6, 1982, to February 8, 1984.

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