Major Haddad declares South-Lebanon independent.

Major Haddad Declares South-Lebanon Independent: A Historic Event on April 18, 1979

On April 18, 1979, a significant event took place in Lebanon that would have a lasting impact on the country’s history. Major Saad Haddad, a Lebanese army officer, declared the region of South-Lebanon independent. This bold move marked a turning point in the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, paving the way for a new era in the region’s history.

Before we delve into the details of this historic event, it is important to understand the context in which it occurred. Lebanon was undergoing a tumultuous period, characterized by internal conflicts, political tensions, and external interventions. The Lebanese Civil War, which had started in 1975, had taken a heavy toll on the country, with different factions vying for power and influence.

Major Saad Haddad, a former Lebanese army officer, played a crucial role in the events that unfolded on April 18, 1979. Following his resignation from the Lebanese army, Haddad formed the South Lebanon Army (SLA), a Christian-dominated militia. The SLA aimed to protect the Lebanese Christians residing in the South and resist the presence of Palestinian guerrillas and other militant groups in the region.

The declaration of South-Lebanon’s independence was a strategic move by Major Haddad and his supporters. By establishing an autonomous region, Haddad sought to provide security and stability to the local Christian population. This move also challenged the authority of the Lebanese government, which was struggling to assert control over the entire country.

The declaration of independence had far-reaching consequences for Lebanon’s political landscape. It deepened the existing divisions within the country and exacerbated tensions between various religious and ethnic groups. The Lebanese government, along with its regional and international allies, condemned Major Haddad’s actions, considering them a threat to Lebanon’s national unity.

In response to Major Haddad’s declaration, the Lebanese government launched military operations against the SLA. This intensified the conflict in the region and led to further deterioration of the security situation in Lebanon. The events that followed would shape the course of Lebanon’s history for years to come.

International actors also played a significant role in the aftermath of Major Haddad’s declaration. The United Nations Security Council passed resolutions urging the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon and condemning any attempts to alter the country’s territorial integrity. These resolutions highlighted the international community’s concerns over the situation in Lebanon and its commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Despite the controversy surrounding Major Haddad’s declaration, it is important to acknowledge its impact on shaping the future of Lebanon. The establishment of an independent South-Lebanon highlighted the deep-rooted tensions and divisions within the country, ultimately leading to a reconfiguration of power dynamics in Lebanon.

Today, the events of April 18, 1979, continue to be discussed and analyzed by academics, historians, and political analysts. It serves as a reminder of the complex nature of conflicts and the challenges faced in achieving peace, stability, and unity in Lebanon.

Major Haddad’s declaration of South-Lebanon’s independence on April 18, 1979, marked a turning point in Lebanon’s history. This bold move by the former army officer had far-reaching consequences, deepening divisions and tensions within the country. The conflict that ensued further destabilized Lebanon and highlighted the complex nature of the challenges faced in achieving peace and unity in the region. The events of April 18, 1979, continue to shape Lebanon’s political landscape and serve as a reminder of the long-standing conflicts in the country.