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Why was UNIFIL created in 1978?

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The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established in March 1978 following a major Israeli military operation in southern Lebanon, known as Operation Litani.12

In March 1978, Israel launched this invasion in response to persistent cross-border raids conducted by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which had been using southern Lebanon as a base for attacks against Israel. Following the invasion, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 425, which mandated the creation of UNIFIL.132

The primary objectives for the force were to:
* Confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.13
* Assist the Lebanese government in restoring its effective authority and sovereignty in the region.13

Although the Israeli military withdrew from most of the territory by June 1978, the force remained in place as the Lebanese Civil War continued, extending its presence far beyond its original six-month mandate.3