1978 South Lebanon conflict ( code-named Operation '' Litani '' by Israel ) was an invasion of Lebanon up to the Litani River , carried out by the Israel Defense Forces in 1978 in response to the Coastal Road massacre . The conflict resulted in the deaths of 1,100 – 2,000 Lebanese and Palestinians , 20 Israelis , the internal displacement of 100,000 to 250,000 people in Lebanon , and the PLO forces retreating north of the Litani River . It led to the creation of the UNIFIL peacekeeping force and an almost complete Israeli withdrawal
Coastal Road massacre
Coastal Road massacre
1978 South Lebanon conflict