Why is Israel so special to God?

I believe in the Bible. I support Israel. I have had bad experiences with two Jewish people but otherwise no problem. The problem with the two were they always seemed to be scheming or trying to find ways to undermine (very intelligently I might add), destabilize, get things to go their way by sneaky and otherwise nefarious methods, etc---just these two. I don't consider myself anti semitic. So, why is Israel so special to God? I mean why not some other country in that part of the world from ancient times-why Israel specifically? I have heard it said that they are God's chosen people----ok so why did God choose them? What was so special about them over other countries? Thanks!