What Is 1968 Israeli raid on Lebanon

Overview

The 1968 Israeli raid on Lebanon, officially known as Operation Gift, was a military strike conducted by Israeli special forces against Beirut International Airport. The operation was launched in response to a Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) attack on an Israeli El Al aircraft in Athens two days earlier, which killed one passenger and injured several others.

Conducted on December 28, 1968, the raid involved elite Sayeret Matkal commandos who infiltrated Beirut by sea and destroyed 13 civilian aircraft belonging to Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanon’s national carrier. The mission aimed to deter future PLO attacks by demonstrating Israel’s long-range retaliatory capability, even against non-military infrastructure.

• Operation Gift was executed on December 28, 1968, marking one of Israel’s most audacious cross-border raids during the late 1960s.
• Israeli commandos traveled by naval vessels from Haifa to the coast of Lebanon before advancing on foot to the airport perimeter.
• The target was Beirut International Airport, a civilian hub used by MEA, which Israel believed supported PLO logistical operations.
• Explosives were placed on 13 MEA aircraft, including Vickers Viscounts and Boeing 707s, rendering them inoperable.
• The entire operation lasted under 90 minutes, with Israeli forces withdrawing without casualties or detection by Lebanese forces.

How It Works

Operation Gift was a precision military strike combining intelligence gathering, amphibious infiltration, and rapid demolition tactics. The planning phase involved extensive surveillance and coordination between Mossad and the IDF’s elite units to ensure minimal exposure and maximum impact.

• Intelligence Gathering: Mossad agents collected data on aircraft locations and airport security routines in Beirut weeks before the raid. This ensured precise timing and target selection.
• Amphibious Insertion: Commandos were transported by Israeli Navy missile boats to the Lebanese coast, avoiding radar detection and landing under cover of darkness.
• Ground Infiltration: The unit advanced on foot through urban areas, using local maps and disguises to avoid confrontation with Lebanese military patrols.
• Demolition Placement: Satchel charges were placed on aircraft engines and fuel tanks using timed detonators set for simultaneous explosion.
• Extraction: After detonation, forces retreated to pre-positioned boats and returned to Israel, completing the mission within five hours of departure.
• Strategic Signaling: The raid sent a clear message that Israel would respond to attacks with disproportionate force, even against civilian infrastructure in neighboring countries.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Operation Gift with other Israeli cross-border operations during the same era:

Unlike other operations focused on eliminating militants, Operation Gift uniquely targeted civilian infrastructure. This set a precedent for future Israeli policy of using economic and symbolic damage to deter attacks, distinguishing it from direct combat missions like Karameh or later assassinations in Beirut.

Why It Matters

The 1968 raid had lasting implications for regional security, counterterrorism doctrine, and international law. It underscored Israel’s willingness to conduct long-range strikes against perceived threats, shaping its military posture for decades.

• The destruction of 13 MEA aircraft crippled Lebanon’s air connectivity for months, affecting both civilian travel and national economy.
• The operation prompted UN Security Council Resolution 262, which condemned Israel for violating Lebanon’s sovereignty and international aviation norms.
• It intensified Lebanese resentment toward Israel, contributing to increased PLO presence in southern Lebanon in the 1970s.
• Operation Gift demonstrated the effectiveness of special forces in asymmetric warfare, influencing future IDF commando strategies.
• The raid highlighted the blurred line between military and civilian targets in counterterrorism, sparking debate in international legal circles.
• It marked the beginning of a pattern of Israeli raids on Lebanon, culminating in the 1978 and 1982 invasions.

Operation Gift remains a defining moment in the history of Israeli military operations, illustrating the strategic use of surprise, precision, and psychological impact to achieve national security objectives.