Israel's presence in the territories began in 1967 as a direct result of the aggressive actions of Israel's neighbours that forced Israel into a war of self-defence.

U N Resolution 242 does not require Israel to withdraw from all the territories gained as a result of the 1967 war, as the Arab regimes claim. Instead, the resolution deliberately restricts itself to calling for Israel's withdrawal "from territories" while recognising the right to live within secure and recognised boundaries.

Many states hold onto territory taken in a war - particularly a war of self-defence - until a peace treaty is negotiated.

Israel's presence in the territories continued after 1967 as the Arab regimes refused to negotiate with Israel despite continuous and genuine Israeli offers of peace. For close to a quarter century, the Palestinians refused to abandon terrorism and conduct peaceful negotiations.