Israeli forces cross Jordan River to attack Palestinian Liberation Organization bases.

On March 21, 1968, Israeli forces made a significant move by crossing the Jordan River to launch an attack on Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) bases. This event had far-reaching consequences and shaped the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for years to come.

The Israeli forces’ decision to cross the Jordan River and target the PLO bases was a direct response to the growing threat posed by the organization. The PLO, founded in 1964, aimed to liberate Palestine from Israeli control and establish an independent Palestinian state. Their operations were primarily based in neighboring countries, with Jordan serving as a key hub.

Israel, perceiving the PLO as a threat to its national security, decided to take decisive action against the organization and its infrastructure. The Jordan River crossing allowed Israeli forces to bypass Jordanian defenses and directly engage the PLO. This marked a major escalation in the conflict, as it represented a violation of Jordanian sovereignty and a direct attack on Palestinian militants operating in neighboring territories.

The Israeli operation was launched with the objective of weakening the PLO’s capabilities and reducing their ability to launch attacks against the Israeli state. By attacking the PLO bases, Israel aimed to disrupt their command and control structures, seize weapons and supplies, and apprehend key PLO leaders.

The operation, known as “Operation Inferno,” involved a combination of ground forces, airstrikes, and naval bombardment. Israeli troops, supported by tanks and artillery, advanced into Jordanian territory and engaged PLO fighters in intense combat. Airplanes and warships provided additional firepower, targeting PLO strongholds and supply lines.

The attack on the PLO bases stirred a heated international debate and condemnation. Several nations, including Arab countries and non-aligned states, condemned Israel’s actions as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session to discuss the situation and pass a resolution urging a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Jordanian territory. However, Israel maintained that its actions were necessary for its own security and self-defense against terrorist activities.

The repercussions of the Israeli attack on the PLO bases were immense. The operation resulted in significant casualties on both sides, including civilians caught in the crossfire. The conflict also escalated tensions between Israel and neighboring Arab countries, particularly Jordan, which faced internal strife as a result of hosting the PLO.

In the aftermath of the attack, the PLO intensified its campaign against Israel, leading to a cycle of retaliatory violence and counterattacks. This event further polarized the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, deepening animosity between the two sides and hindering prospects for peace.

The attack on the PLO bases also had long-term political consequences. It prompted a reassessment of Jordan’s relationship with the PLO and led to a series of actions that culminated in the expulsion of the PLO from Jordan in 1970, an event known as “Black September.” This expulsion shifted the organization’s operations to Lebanon and eventually contributed to the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War in 1975.

the Israeli forces crossing the Jordan River to attack PLO bases on March 21, 1968, marked a significant escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The operation aimed to weaken the PLO’s capacity to launch attacks against Israel but had far-reaching consequences, including increased tensions between Israel and neighboring countries, heightened violence, and a reevaluation of the PLO’s presence in Jordan. The ramifications of this event continue to shape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to this day.