Kathmandu— Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently outlined a shift in the country's security doctrine, invoking an ancient Hebrew phrase advocating pre-emptive warfare – essentially, “Kill them first.” This move, revealed at a Jewish conference in West Jerusalem in June, signals a willingness to take the initiative against perceived enemies, reminiscent of Israel’s strategy during the 1967 war. Critics argue that this rhetoric, alongside similar statements from other Israeli leaders, relies on religious justification for actions that may violate international law and contribute to escalating violence.

Religious Justification for Pre-emptive Action

Netanyahu’s invocation of the ancient Hebrew phrase – rooted in a Jewish religious text – reflects a broader trend of framing Israel's conflicts through a religious lens. Traditionally, Israeli military strategy has avoided explicitly characterizing conflicts as holy wars to avoid international backlash. However, Netanyahu’s statement suggests a departure from this practice, openly endorsing a doctrine of pre-emptive action based on religious precedent.

Allegations of Genocidal Intent

During hearings at the International Court of Justice in January 2024, South African lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi cited Netanyahu’s command to Israeli troops – referencing the Biblical story of Amalek and calling for their destruction – as evidence of genocidal intent in Gaza. He argued that this directive invoked a religious justification for retaliatory violence against Palestinians, where over 73,400 have been killed since October 2023. The Arab Organisation for Human Rights UK subsequently filed a request with the United Kingdom to impose sanctions on Netanyahu due to this comment.

Dehumanizing Language and Religious Authority

The use of religiously-charged language extends beyond Netanyahu, with other Israeli leaders employing similar rhetoric. Former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s description of Palestinians as “human animals” while announcing a complete siege on Gaza exemplifies the dehumanization used to justify military actions. Historically, Jewish religious figures have also exerted influence over military policy; in 2004, Rabbi Avraham Shapira warned against dismantling settlements in occupied territories, deeming it a sin.

Historical Precedent and Entrenched Occupation

While Netanyahu’s use of biblical references is notable, a 2025 study by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) found that Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion – despite being a “secular Zionist” – actually used more religious language in his wartime speeches. This historical precedent underscores a long-standing tendency to invoke biblical narratives in relation to territorial claims and conflict. Currently, the Israeli government is allocating significant funds—within a $271 billion budget—to solidify its occupation of the West Bank, where approximately 700,000 settlers reside, amid increasing violence against Palestinians.

Concrete Manifestations on the Ground

Ibrahim Abusharif, an associate professor at Northwestern University in Qatar, explained that framing the conflict through biblical imagery transforms complex geopolitics into a moral drama. This rhetoric has manifested in actions like those of Rabbi Avraham Zarbiv, an Israeli army reservist who has demolished homes in Gaza and Lebanon, boasting about displacing Palestinian families. A war crimes complaint against Zarbiv has been filed with the International Criminal Court, while his selection by Transport Minister Miri Regev to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony drew condemnation from B’Tselem, which argued it was state endorsement of systematic destruction.

The use of religious rhetoric continues to be a contentious issue, raising concerns about its impact on the ongoing conflict and potential violations of international law. The Hind Rajab Foundation's complaint against Rabbi Zarbiv remains under consideration by the International Criminal Court.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.