The landing of multinational troops in Beirut represented a significant moment in the Lebanese Civil War, which had been ongoing since 1975. Faced with escalating violence and the presence of various factions, the international community recognized the need for intervention to prevent further disorder after Israel's invasion aimed at eradicating PLO influence in Lebanon. As part of a broader peacekeeping initiative, the multinational force, primarily composed of U.S., French, and Italian troops, aimed to oversee the withdrawal of the PLO, ensuring their evacuation and the protection of Lebanese civilians amidst the chaos. This operation involved negotiations with both the Lebanese government and the PLO leadership, which was struggling to maintain control over its fighters in the face of external pressures.

The broader context includes Israel's 1982 invasion, which aimed to push back Palestinian militancy from southern Lebanon. The intervention marked a considerable international military involvement in Lebanon, reflecting the Cold War dynamics and increasing tensions in the Middle East. The multinational force's presence in Beirut was seen as a stabilizing force, with hopes of reestablishing a semblance of order. However, the mission was fraught with challenges, and tensions remained high, leading to eventual conflict between different factions within Lebanon and the multinational forces themselves.

Even during the operation, complex political dynamics played out, with conflicting agendas among local factions, Israel, and the host nations of the multinational force. The subsequent withdrawal of the PLO was not simply a military maneuver; it carried deep social and political implications for Lebanon and the region at large, as it signified an attempt to shift the balance of power and address the ongoing strife. Ultimately, the multinational force's deployment became a notable chapter in the Lebanese Civil War, highlighting the frail nature of interventions and the complex landscape of Middle Eastern politics.