Does Israel Feel That It Has the God-Given Right to Use Plagues to Control Humanity?
This means that while Israel has acknowledged the existence and importance of the BWC, it has not legally bound itself to its terms. In contrast, all other major countries, including those in the volatile Middle Eastern region such as Iran, have fully ratified the BWC
The Torah, one of the foundational texts of Judaism, holds within its pages a detailed account of plagues that were sent upon Egypt as divine punishment and a means to liberate the Israelites from bondage. While these stories are traditionally viewed through a lens of divine justice, the implications of such narratives can take on a more ominous tone when considered in the context of contemporary global politics and the use of biological weapons. The question arises: Does Israel, a modern nation-state with profound religious roots, perceive itself as having the God-given right to use plagues or biological weapons as a means of control over humanity?
A Threat to Humanity?
When the elements of the Torah relating to plagues are interpreted not as divine acts but as human tools for manipulation, they raise serious concerns about how such ideas might be perceived and potentially acted upon by a state like Israel. The very notion that a country could see itself as divinely justified in using biological agents to achieve political or military ends is a threat to global security and human rights.
This perspective is exacerbated by Israel’s unique position regarding international agreements on biological weapons. Despite signing the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in 1972, Israel has not ratified the treaty. This means that while Israel has acknowledged the existence and importance of the BWC, it has not legally bound itself to its terms. In contrast, all other major countries, including those in the volatile Middle Eastern region such as Iran, have fully ratified the BWC, committing themselves to the global effort to prevent the development, production, and use of biological weapons.
The Biological Weapons Convention and Israel’s Refusal to Ratify
The Biological Weapons Convention, established in 1972, is a crucial international treaty that outlaws the development, production, and acquisition of biological weapons. It represents a collective commitment by the international community to safeguard humanity from the horrors of biological warfare. The treaty has been ratified by 184 countries, including all major powers and Middle Eastern nations such as Iran and Egypt.
However, Israel’s refusal to ratify the BWC is a glaring exception to this global consensus. By not ratifying the treaty, Israel remains outside the legal framework that binds most of the world’s nations to refrain from developing or using biological weapons. This stance is particularly concerning given the historical and religious narratives that could be interpreted to justify the use of plagues as a form of divine retribution or control.
Israel’s decision not to ratify the BWC can be seen as a rejection of joining the international community in its efforts to protect humanity from the misuse of biological science. This refusal raises serious questions about Israel’s intentions and its commitment to global peace and security. The notion that the “chosen people of God” would refuse to fully commit to a ban on biological weapons is not only perplexing but also troubling. If Israel truly believes in its divine mission to protect and guide humanity, it would seem logical that it would lead by example and fully ratify the BWC, thereby affirming its dedication to safeguarding the world from the horrors of biological warfare.
The Absurdity of Israel’s Position
It is absurd to consider that a nation, particularly one with such a deep religious heritage, would choose not to align itself with a global initiative aimed at preventing the use of biological weapons. The refusal to ratify the BWC leaves Israel in a position where it is not legally bound to the same standards as the rest of the world. This not only undermines international efforts to prevent biological warfare but also casts doubt on Israel’s commitment to global security.
In an era where the threat of pandemics and biological attacks is all too real, the importance of a unified global stance against the development and use of biological weapons cannot be overstated. Israel’s reluctance to fully embrace the BWC places it at odds with the rest of the world and raises concerns about the potential misuse of biological agents under the guise of divine justification.
Conclusion
The stories of plagues in the Torah, when viewed through a modern lens of human manipulation rather than divine will, present a dangerous precedent. Israel’s refusal to ratify the Biological Weapons Convention, despite having signed it, places the nation in a precarious position that threatens global security. If Israel is to truly fulfill its role as a protector and guide for humanity, it must join the international community in fully committing to the prohibition of biological weapons. Only then can it demonstrate that it is not only the “chosen people of God” but also a responsible member of the global community dedicated to protecting humanity from the horrors of biological warfare.
References
- United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. (n.d.). Biological Weapons Convention. Retrieved from UNODA website.
- Koblentz, G. D. (2010). Living Weapons: Biological Warfare and International Security. Cornell University Press.
- Tucker, J. B. (2001). Biological Threats in the 21st Century. MIT Press.
- Middle East Policy Council. (n.d.). Israel and the Biological Weapons Convention. Retrieved from MEPC website.