"But a lack in archaeological evidence for an Israelite occupation during the 15th century does not automatically prove an absence of such."
You are so right, Hydarnes. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
It's just that scientists can speak only to evidence, which is the nature of scientific method. They can only address the likelihood of things for which there is supporting evidence.
They don't have the luxury of speculation and wishful thinking of non-scientists who have nothing to lose.