In a round about way, Chaz is right, but only insofar as all cultures depend on climate. The 'Fertile Crescent' has experienced increased aridity in its southern borders since about 12,000 BCE and gradually forest cover that was once more extensive has been unable to regenerate, while human activity has increasingly removed what's there. That's why yer cedars of Lebanon are now rare whereas back 4000 years ago they were numerous.Countering any water shortages are the huge dam schemes, largely funded by the old USSR, on the upper reaches of the Euphrates. These and boreholes complement the chain of oases liking northern Iraq and eastern Lebanon and if it weren't for conflict the area would be very profitable in grape, olive, citrus and grain.
In southern Lebanon and Israel / Palestine, real conflict is underway based around ownership of water rights and irrigated land. The Palestinians and Lebanese keep losing. No change there then.