That, if true, would make a big difference.

But the American Defamation League defines Zionism as: "Zionism is the movement for the self-determination and statehood for the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland, the land of Israel." (reference: https://www.adl.org/resources/glossary-terms/zionism; emphasis mine).

The first Zionist Congress adopted the resolution that "Zionism seeks to establish a home for the Jewish people in Palestine secured under public law."

I don't think the "probably in Israel" thing really holds water. In practice, it is definitely in Israel, and the "under public law" has proved far more malleable than the "in Palestine" part.

I don't doubt that many Zionists would prefer to buy land in accord with the law and treat everyone well. But seeking a homeland in the midst of an area where the existing population has a relatively regressive and intolerant attitude does not easily lend itself to this.