Milesg, that part of the world formed part of the ottoman empire and was known as palestine where both arab and jew lived. It was not until the british who as part of their divide and conquer approach divided that part of the world into non homogenoius countries, with the sole aim of causing in fighting. the british did it in the balkans. the british have a lot to answer for many of the regional conflicts.
But correct me if I am wrong but some one posted that the land forming what is isreal was purchased. Latter parts were won as part of the 7 day war. Again something an arab cant live down.
