time, however, Begin indicated that he considered the West Bank to be an integral part of the State of Israel. Actions by subsequent Israeli governments have strengthened Israel's absorption of the West Bank, although actual annexation has not occurred. These actions cover all of the occupied territories except the Gaza Strip. Although the Gaza Strip, as is true of the West Bank, has not been formally annexed by Israel, its eventual annexation remains not only the official policy of the governing Likud Party, but also of the more liberal Labor Party, although the Labor Party has indicated a willingness to soften its position in return for a guarantee of peace. The governing Likud Party insisted, however, that regardless of negotiations between Israel and the Arab states, and whether or not the Gaza Strip is ever formally annexed, Israel will not relinquish control of the territory. At present (in 2004), however, Israel states that it intends to evacuate
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