In August 1982 , the PLO withdrew its forces from Lebanon ( moving to Tunisia ) . Israel helped engineer the election of a new Lebanese president , Bashir Gemayel , who agreed to recognize Israel and sign a peace treaty . Gemayal was assassinated before an agreement could be signed , and one day later Phalangist Christian forces led by Elie Hobeika entered two Palestinian refugee camps and massacred the occupants . The massacres led to the biggest demonstration ever in Israel against the war , with as many as 400,000 people ( almost 10 % of the population ) gathering in Tel Aviv . In 1983 , an Israeli public inquiry found that Israel 's defence minister , Sharon , was indirectly but personally responsible for the massacres . It also recommended that he never again be allowed to hold the post ( it did not forbid him from being Prime Minister ) . In 1983 , the May 17 Agreement was signed between Israel and Lebanon , paving the way for an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory through a few stages . Israel continued to operate against the PLO until its eventual departure in 1985 , and kept a small force stationed in Southern Lebanon in support of the South Lebanon Army until May 2000
massacred
Sabra and Shatila massacre
History of Israel