That was Judaea, not Israel.
If Israel existed in the first century, then why did the Disciples ask the following:
(Acts 1:6) Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
Then why did He refer to Nathaniel as an Israelite indeed?
Then why did Paul refer to himself as an Israelite; of the seed of Abraham; of the Tribe of Benjamin?
Then why did James write to the Twelve Tribes which are scattered abroad?
Then why do we read...
Matthew 2:20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
Matthew 2:21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
(And nope; no land of Israel is ever mentioned in the NT :doh
Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Matthew 9:33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
Matthew 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Matthew 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 15:31 Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.
Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
Luke 1:16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
Luke 1:54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
Luke 1:68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
Luke 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.