Charliehall — Last I checked the Central Powers lost WW I to the Allies, so I’m not sure what that fact regarding the Ottoman Empire has to do with the creation of Medinat Yisroel over 30 years later (and with another world war in between that further altered the political landscape). Throughout the cycle of history much larger Jewish populations were expelled from virtually every country in Europe at some point or another. And in recent history the only place where Jews were forcibly expelled from their homes was in Gush Katif, under the rule of Medinat Yisroel, unfortunately.
In general I don’t really think “what ifs” regarding history are too valid — there are too many factors. But once you start with what “probably” would have happened, a person can theoretically come up with many other scenarios. Perhaps had the early Zionists not forced the hand of the British empire through their armed resistance, Israel would currently be under British rule like Gibraltar. Perhaps Israel would have remained under some sort of Arabic rule that allowed freedom of religion for the Jews living there, as there was in most of the Arab world before the 1940’s (including Iran and Syria, whose large Jewish communities experienced tremendous hardship after the formation of Medinat Yisroel).
I am not trying to discuss the core issue of why people have problems with Zionism and the modern state of Israel. I am simply pointing out that many of these presumptions are not necessarily true.
Similarly, I strongly disagree that the “only thing” preventing Hamas rule over Israel is Medinat Yisroel. The “only thing” preventing Hamas rule over Israel is Hashem’s protection. There is no reason to assume that had Israel never been formed, Hamas like groups would be in control, and even with the State of Israel the situation right now is pretty precarious, especially now with this “unity” deal.
As someone who actually lives here, I have appreciation for the Israeli government in a similar way that I had appreciation for the U.S. government when I lived there. A democratic and functioning government provides the derech hatevah security and law and order that allows me to be free to live the life I believ in , and have a good quality of life in Artzeinu Hakadosh. I pay my taxes, follow the laws, and express appreciation whenever I meet anyone serving our country (as I did in the US). And I certainly daven for the safety of the young Jews putting their lives on the line to save others. But that does not mean I agree with those who view the formation of a Jewish state here in Israel as the beginning of any sort of geulah, nor do I believe this scenario is what we have been davening for over the past centuries. I even believe that many aspects of what goes on here today may be worse when done under a Jewish government.
One can have serious Hashkafic problems with the Zionist belief system, and object to it, without being accused of “anti-Zionist” rhetoric and lack of hakaras hatov.