I agree the settlement thing is crap. Those attacks and the attacks on Israel started long long ago though.

Several countries did try to invade Israel, Multiple times, and the chief goal of several of the countries at times (Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebannon, Iran, Iraq, etc) was to annex Israel. I'm not sure how cozy the New Zealand would be if it had fended of several invasions from Indonesia, China, Australia.

There is no quick solution to the Palestinian problem. From readings I did in the past I got the feeling Palestinians weren't just unwanted people of Israel but of most of the region.

Once again, I'm not condoning Israels actions or even giving them pardon on things. I'm trying to remain objective and looking at the long history of the region.

Interestingly enough I was reading Sum of All Fears not too long ago and Clancy was talking about Israel. Their position in the middle east was built more on moral highground than physical presence, as was their connection to the united states. Anything that jeopardized that state of moral high ground would erode the ability of Israel to remain a political ally to the West, especially the US and be a detriment to it's existence.