August 16, 1983

Casualties:

Beirut airport reopens, Saudi and Jordanian envoys reportedly mediate between Jumblatt and Gemayel.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF Chief of Staff Levy says no fence will be constructed along Awali line, amount of Lebanese farmland taken for new fortifications will be on very small scale.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Phalangist leaders welcome Arens on surprise visit to Beirut, where he inspects Lebanese Forces, lays wreath at martyr's grave, holds press conference; US Marine Corps commandant visits Beirut.

US and Other Countries: Details of classified State Dept. memo on Palestinians in Lebanon notes dramatic increase in threats to life, desire of government to evict up to 75% of 400,000.