Israeli history begins with the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah, which existed in the region around 1000 BCE. Over centuries, the area was conquered by various empires, including the Babylonians and Romans. The Jewish diaspora began after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, leading to a long period of Jewish exile. In the late 19th century, the Zionist movement emerged, advocating for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. After World War II and the Holocaust, international support grew for the establishment of Israel. In 1948, Israel declared independence, leading to conflict with neighboring Arab states and ongoing disputes over territory and governance.