Biblical plague of bees swarm Israel as locals warned to stay indoors

The settlement experienced what locals described as an "invasion" of the insects, spreading beyond the shopping district into other parts of the town.

Residential neighbourhoods have also been affected by the bee incursion - while locals have been urged to close doors and windows to stay safe.

While Netivot's municipal authorities have issued a warning urging people to keep their distance from the affected zone, they are yet to determine

Spine-tingling footage capturing the buzzing scenes outside the shopping centre as hordes of the creatures descend on the urban area.

The video appears to be taken by someone on the inside of a building.

Residents were advised not to approach the bees - under any circumstances. The guidance came as the swarm occupied streets and public spaces across the commercial area.

Local authorities are working on managing the ongoing situation.

It has been reported the bees have settled on residential balconies, and further footage shows a mammoth group of the insects settling on vehicles in other parts of Netivot.

One social media user quoted a passage from the Bible, 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.

Nevertheless, during this time of year, swarms of bees are not uncommon - while the furry insects start to be more active in the warmer weather.

Even in the UK, beekeepers warn that the warmer spring winds can welcome an increase in bee swarms, given the higher temperatures accelerate blossoming across Britain.

Last year, two swarms were seen in Bristol with hives swarming the Tobacco Factory's roof - but were later safely rehomed.

Each individual swarm could contain up to tens of thousands of honey bees, moving en masse through the sky.

They are most common during sunny days from May until June in the UK, although this may differ overseas.

However, experts have claimed, despite the dramatic appearance, bees are far less dangerous than when they have a base - such as a hive.

When swarming, they have no specific "home" to defend.