If Israel did not exist what would be in its place today?  Just look around at the many shining examples of nations in the region and their accomplishments and you'll get an idea... Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt... All failed states ripe with mass killings, terrorist leaders, corruption at every level of government and not a single true democracy or country that produces anything of value for the world.  I'd suggest that Israel be allowed to build its settlements throughout all the Middle East and then maybe there would be peace!