LEBANON: ISRAELI MOVE INTO WEST BEIRUT

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06806141
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: March 8, 2023
• Document Release Date: July 25, 2019
• Case Number: F-2018-00205
• Publication Date: September 16, 1982

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Thursday
16 September 1982
443p-Seeret-
CPAS NID 82-2171X
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Contents
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/ Lebanon. Israeli Move Into West Beirut
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NR Record
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4 �4fir Israeli advance
� Refugee area
Crossing point
A Government building
= Main urban area
0 , VI 1 Mc:meter
1 Statute Mlle
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LEBANON: Israeli Move Into West Beirut
(Information as of 2330)
Defense Minister Sharon yesterday stated that Israel now
occupies all key points in West Beirut. The Lebanese parliament
may meet next week to choose a new president.
Sharon claimed Israeli forces control points in
Ra's Beirut, along the Corniche al Mazra'ah, and past
the port area. Press accounts say the Israelis also
If, took control of the Shatila and Sabra refugee camps and
1 the Fakhani area, formerly PLO headquarters.
Israeli forces encountered resistance from leftist
militias and have taken some casualties.
the Israelis are now in
complete control of West Beirut.
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Comment: The Israelis earlier had indicated that
their actions would be limited, but the opportunity to
disarm the Lebanese leftists and root out the remaining
Palestinian forces apparently led them to decide on ex-
panded action. Although the Israeli press says the move
was taken following a meeting between Sharon and Begin,
the decision to occupy West Beirut probably will lead to
renewed charges in Israel that Sharon
proper authority from the cabinet.
Presidential Elections
is actina without
Lebanese Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Munir Abu
Fadil says new elections will be called before the
ration of President Sarkis's term on 23 September.
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Comment: The Israeli presence at strategic points
within the city might facilitate the gathering of a quorum
L/for an election, although many deputies will be angered
/ at once again meeting under Israeli guns.
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Tel5 SCC rct
The Phalangists can be expected to go on the offen-
sive to ensure their own candidate gains the presidency.
/Y'
They probably are in no mood for compromise with other
traditlonal maronite leaders. such as Camille Shamun.
Bashir's brother Amin probably is the favorite now,
but many Bashir loyalists may oppose him.
Phalange Party founder Pierre Jumayyil has come out
of retirement to take charge of party affairs, probably
hoping to pave the way for Amin to win wider party rec-
ognition as its new leader. If the party cannot agree
e Pierre could offer
on Amin or another stron
himself as a compromise.
his candidacy might encourage serious divisions
within the Phalange.
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