March 19, 1978

Following the March 11, 1978 terrorist attack against two Israeli buses near Tel-Aviv, killing 37 Israelis and injuring 76, the IDF entered southern Lebanon in order to clearout PLO terrorist bases and staging areas south of the Litani River. When Operation Litani began, the US began seeking a suitable formula to send a United Nations peacekeeping force to the area held by Israel, in order to bring about an Israeli withdrawal and the establishment of a buffer zone in southern Lebanon free of terrorists. As a result of these efforts, the UN Security Council met and decided to adopt Resolution 425 calling on Israel to withdraw, and establishing a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Text:

The Security Council,

Taking note of the letters of the Permanent Representative of Lebanon (S/12600 and S/12606) and the Permanent Representative of Israel (S/12607),

Having heard the statements of the Permanent Representatives of Lebanon and Israel,

Gravely concerned at the deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, and its consequences to the maintenance of international peace,

Convinced that the present situation impedes the achievement of a just peace in the Middle East,

1. Calls for strict respect for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;

    

2. Calls upon Israel immediately to cease its military action against Lebanese territorial integrity and withdraw forthwith its forces from all Lebanese territory;

    

3. Decides, in the light of the request of the Government of Lebanon, to establish immediately under its authority a United Nations interim force for southern Lebanon for the purpose of confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restoring international peace and security and assisting the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area, the force to be composed of personnel drawn from States Members of the United Nations.

    

4. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council within twenty-four hours on the implementation of this resolution.