May 17 Agreement Between Israel and Lebanon

On May 17, 1983, the May 17 Agreement was signed between Israel and Lebanon, marking a significant step towards resolving the long-standing conflict between the two nations. The agreement outlined a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, aiming to stabilize the region and foster peace. Despite this progress, Israel continued military operations against the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) until their eventual withdrawal in 1985. Following the agreement, a small contingent of Israeli troops remained in Southern Lebanon to support the South Lebanon Army, a local militia, until May 2000. The May 17 Agreement was a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy, reflecting the complexities of regional politics and the ongoing struggle for peace in Lebanon. While the agreement did not fully resolve tensions, it laid the groundwork for future negotiations and highlighted the challenges of achieving lasting stability in the region.