The notable philosopher John Locke maintained that justified land titles are predicated upon homesteading — the first person to mix his labor with the land is the rightful owner of it. Not the most recent occupant, the original homesteader. Unless, of course, the rightful owner abandoned his property. Then the next person to step up to the place and occupy it assumes that role.

The Jews have occupied contested territory in the Middle East for about 3,500 years. They were busily homesteading quite a bit of it even then, making (at least some of) the desert bloom. The Arabs have been in that part of the world for at most three centuries. Therefore, in any squabble between the two groups, the nod goes to the first dwellers, the Jews.