16 September 1982 – 28 Elul 5742
Christian militia began slaughtering the citizens of the Sabra neighbourhood and the Shatila refugee camp in Beirut. The militia were granted permission to enter the camps by the IDF. Their aim was to retaliate for the murder of Bachir Gemayel, the former leader of the militia who was newly elected president of Lebanon. Although they entered on condition that they only kill terrorists, the militia killed hundreds of citizens. The IDF soldiers around the camps were aware of the massacre happening but not of its extent. The Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin heard of the occurrance only on September 18, via the BBC radio broadcast. Israel was held responsible for the massacre as the IDF allowed the militia to enter the camps. An official committee nominated in Israel demanded removing minister of defense Areie Sharon from his position. The tense public atmosphere in Israel was among the causes for Begin’s resignation.