Who exactly owned the land known today as ISRAEL?

The history of the area now known as Israel is exceptionally complex and multifaceted, with a rich tapestry that has been woven over millennia. Below is a very brief overview, but it's essential to acknowledge that each period is dense with events, conflicts, and cultural developments.

Ancient Periods:

• Canaanites: The area was initially inhabited by Canaanite tribes and other Semitic peoples.

• Israelites: In biblical times, the Israelites established the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah. The exact historical and archaeological veracity of these events is a matter of ongoing study and debate among scholars.

• Various Conquerors: The region was conquered by various empires, such as the Babylonian, Persian, and Macedonian (under Alexander the Great).

Roman Period:

• Roman Rule: The Romans controlled the area from 63 BCE. The region was named "Palaestina" by the Romans, a name that would stick in various forms for centuries.

• Jewish-Roman Wars: There were multiple conflicts between the Jewish inhabitants and the Roman rulers, notably the revolts from 66-70 CE and 132-136 CE.

Islamic and Crusader Periods:

• Islamic Caliphates: In the 7th century, the region came under Muslim rule by the Rashidun and then the Umayyad Caliphates.

• Crusaders: From the late 11th century, European Crusaders intermittently established Christian kingdoms in the area.

Ottoman Period:

• Ottoman Empire: From 1517 until the end of World War I in 1918, the area was part of the Ottoman Empire.

British Mandate:

• Balfour Declaration: In 1917, the British government expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine.

• British Mandate: After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern Palestine from 1920 until 1948.

Modern Period:

• UN Partition Plan: In 1947, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem under international administration. The plan was accepted by the Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side.

• State of Israel: In 1948, David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel. Following this, neighboring Arab states invaded, marking the start of the first Arab-Israeli War.

• Israeli-Arab Conflicts: Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, there have been numerous conflicts between Israel and its Arab neighbors, as well as between Israelis and Palestinians.

• Palestinian Territories: The West Bank and the Gaza Strip, territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day War, have been the focus of ongoing conflicts and peace negotiations.

The history of the region is intricate, with each period being subject to various interpretations and perspectives. Therefore, when exploring the topic, it is crucial to approach various sources and viewpoints to get a comprehensive understanding.