Israel/Palestine

As it was called under the Romans and something similar under the Turks covered more area than just modern day Israel/Palestine. It included Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Jordan was split off and given to the Hashamites. Syria was taken over as a "Mandate" by France, along with Iraq.

By contrast in the Americas, there were established Kingdoms, tribal areas, etc. Definite areas where each nation ruled or governed. Some moved about in their area as hunter gatherers, others pretty much stayed in one place, farmed, etc.

But in the area of Israel/Palestine there was no area that was self ruled, or an independent country. It was a province in one empire or another for hundreds and hundreds of centuries.


Not to mention that there were ALWAYS Jews living in the area. We know from historical records that Jews were forced to leave by the Romans, but not all did leave. To say that the Palestinians were 'always there' is not correct. There could have been an independent Palestine in 1948. But they were convinced by their 'allies' that they could force the Jews out and rule the entire area. I mean after the War of Independence we saw Trans-Jordan annex the west bank, Egypt annex Gaza. If the Arab armies had won, there would not have been an independent Palestine, but it would have been split up among Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. Then likely they would have fought amongst themselves.