Thursday, June 23, 1983

Military Action:

IDF moves into battle zone in Chouf; mortars and RPGs fired from Syrian-controlled areas at IDF position in Beqaa.

Casualties:

IDF lifts restriction order on village of Arab Selim.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Arens says IDF will not leave any positions unless assured the vacuum will be filled by friendly forces.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat says Syria is blockading all supplies to PLO forces under his command, says problem is not with rebel leaders but with Syria, which is using them to bring PLO under its control; Arafat returns to Damascus, meets Soviet ambassador, receives message from Andropov; Fateh convoy ambushed near Homs, 12 killed; Lebanese official says inquiry into Sabra and Shatila is continuing, earlier reports were from unauthorized first draft.