The Sinai Peninsula was returned to Egypt in 1982 as part of the Egypt–Israel peace treaty, but Israel continues to occupy the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Golan Heights. The status of these territories remains a contentious issue in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
The following is a timeline of Israel's territorial expansions since 1949:
1949:
* Israel gains independence and is admitted to the United Nations.
* The first Arab–Israeli war ends with Israel controlling more territory than it was originally allocated by the UN.
1956:
* Israel invades Egypt in response to Egyptian attacks on Israeli shipping and the nationalization of the Suez Canal.
* Israel withdraws from Egypt after pressure from the United States and the United Nations.
1967:
* The Six-Day War breaks out between Israel and Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq.
* Israel captures the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights.
1982:
* Israel returns the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt as part of the Egypt–Israel peace treaty.
* Israel begins to build settlements in the occupied territories.
The status of the occupied territories remains a contentious issue in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Israel claims that the West Bank and Gaza Strip are disputed territories, while the Palestinians claim that they are occupied territory and should be part of a future Palestinian state.
The United Nations Security Council has passed several resolutions calling on Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories, but Israel has refused to comply. The United States has also pressured Israel to withdraw from the territories, but Israel has resisted this pressure as well.