No, it's pretty uncontroversial that imperialism was one of the goals of Israel as a project, even from its founding.
Edit: This is getting downvoted a bit so let me evidence this.
After WW1 the League of Nations formalized British control over Palestine. This mandate facilitated Jewish immigration and settlement, which furthered Britain's interests in the area and improved their relations with Jewish communities. The establishment of Israel led to significant displacement and conflict for the Palestinian Arab population, which was largely ignored by Western powers at the time.
In other words, Britain exerted their power over a foreign nation through expansionism, which is the literal dictionary definition of imperialism.
So yes, imperialism unquestionably played a role in the establishment of Israel. Whether that was a convenient by-product or a driving motivator is a matter of perspective, but it's foolish to say it didn't play a part.
I think the other person was just pointing out that the current conflict between Israel and Palestine is a modern creation and is primarily caused by western imperialism and a failure to hold Israel accountable.