This work investigates the legal framework governing the rights and obligations of occupying powers in foreign territories. Eyal Benvenisti, a professor of international law, utilizes historical analysis and contemporary case studies to examine how the law of occupation balances the security interests of the occupier with the rights and welfare of the local population. The text argues that the law must adapt to modern realities of prolonged occupation and the increasing role of international human rights standards.

Legal scholars and practitioners frequently cite this text as a foundational reference for understanding the complexities of occupation law. Experts highlight the author's ability to synthesize dense legal statutes into a coherent framework for analyzing modern geopolitical conflicts.