A covert Israeli raid killed three senior PLO leaders in Beirut as direct retaliation for the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre.
Key Facts
- Operation Name
- Operation Spring of Youth
- Date
- April 9–10, 1973
- PLO leaders killed
- 3 senior leaders
- Israeli soldiers killed
- 2
- Part of broader operation
- Operation Wrath of God
- Infiltration method
- Speedboats launched from offshore missile boats
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Munich massacre during the 1972 Summer Olympics, in which Palestinian militants killed eleven Israeli athletes and coaches, prompted Israel to launch Operation Wrath of God — a campaign targeting those responsible for planning and supporting the attack. Operation Spring of Youth was a key component of this retaliatory effort.
On the night of April 9–10, 1973, Israeli special forces arrived by speedboat on Lebanese beaches, were met by Mossad agents with pre-rented cars, and were driven to targets in Beirut and Sidon. Three top PLO leaders were killed in their homes, along with additional PLO members. Two Israeli soldiers and several Lebanese civilians and security personnel also died.
The operation eliminated key PLO leadership figures and demonstrated Israel's capability and willingness to conduct deep covert operations in foreign capitals. It intensified Israeli-Palestinian tensions and contributed to ongoing instability in Lebanon, which was already hosting a large Palestinian militant presence.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent