Israel has been hit by a “plague” of bees, with locals urged to remain indoors, sparking the question from some: ‘is this Biblical?’
Shocking video footage posted online shows the insects descending upon the commercial centre of Netivot, in southern Israel on Wednesday.
Locals have described it as an “invasion” of the insects, spreading beyond the shopping district into other parts of the town.
Authorities are said to have advised residents to keep windows and doors shut.
The horde of winged insects, reportedly one of the largest ever recorded in the nation’s history, prevented a military plane from taking off when it overtook the engine.
But darker still, many online have been referencing its apparent links to the Bible.
One asked: “Today, Israel is experiencing a plague of bees. Is this biblical?
The idea was referenced by many others who quoted the video online
One commented: “Tens of thousands of bees just invaded Israel like the first plague straight from the Old Testament.”
Another social media user quoted a passage from Isaiah 7:18.
“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria,” they quote.
The passage refers to God calling on foreign armies to invade Israel and judge Judah, one of Jacob’s sons.
A third said: “The Israeli city of Netivot has been take over by an apocalyptic bee swarm.
“We literally can’t catch a break.”
However, swarms of bees at this time of year are not unusual.
Even in the UK, beekeepers warn that the warmer spring winds can welcome an increase in bee swarms as higher temperature accelerate blossoming.
Last year, two swarms were seen in Bristol with hives swarming the Tobacco Factory’s roof.
They are most common during sunny days from May until June in the UK, although this may differ overseas.
