Israel hit by bee ‘plague’ as thousands swarm in ‘apocalyptic’ scene | World | News

Israel has been hit by a bee “plague”, prompting calls for locals to stay in their homes, leading some to ask: ‘Is this Biblical?’

Shocking video footage posted online shows insects descending on the Netivot trading center in southern Israel on Wednesday.

Locals described it as an “invasion” of insects that spread beyond the shopping district to other parts of the city.

It was stated that authorities advised citizens to keep windows and doors closed.

One of the largest swarms of winged insects ever recorded in the country’s history blocked a military plane from taking off when it passed its engine.

But even darker is the fact that many online refer to its apparent connections to the Bible.

Someone asked: “There is a bee plague in Israel today. Is this biblical?”

This idea has been referenced by many people quoting the video online.

One commented: “Tens of thousands of bees invaded Israel like the first plague in the Old Testament.”

Another social media user quoted Isaiah 7:18.

“And in that day the Lord will hiss at the fly in the uttermost rivers of Egypt, and at the bee in the land of Assyria,” they quote.

This passage speaks of God calling foreign armies to invade Israel and judge Judah, one of Jacob’s sons.

A third said: “The Israeli city of Netivot has been taken over by an apocalyptic swarm of bees.

“We really can’t catch a break.”

However, it is not uncommon to see swarms of bees this time of year.

Even in the UK, beekeepers warn that warmer spring winds could counter the increase in bee swarms as high temperatures accelerate flowering.

Last year two swarms were seen filling the roof of the Tobacco Factory in Bristol with hives.

Although it varies overseas, in the UK they are most commonly seen on sunny days from May to June.