We know that the avos in particular cherished burial in Eretz Yisrael. To live in Eretz Yisrael is understandable as one can observe the numerous mitzvos that are unique to the land, as well as absorb the wisdom in its air. However, what is the benefit to being buried in Eretz Yisrael?
The Yerushalmi and Midrash tell us that the dead of Eretz Yisrael will be resurrected first in the era of Moshiach. This is why the avos cherished burial in Eretz Yisrael.
How much earlier will the dead of Eretz Yisrael be resurrected than the dead of chutz la’aretz (outside Eretz Yisrael)? The Chessed L’avraham writes that we have a tradition that at techias hamaisim, the dead of Eretz Yisrael will arise 40 years earlier than the dead of chutz la’aretz. He also writes, “Whoever dies in chutz la’aretz and has family in Eretz Yisrael which is a relative that if they passed away you would be obligated to sit shiva for, then that relative in Eretz Yisrael has the power to revive their relatives in chutz la’aretz.”
