The killing of thousands of people does not justify Benjamin Netanyahu’s legitimacy, who attempts to gain the support of the Jewish community by referencing prophecies and verses, using them as a pretext for the killing of thousands solely for this purpose. These military moves, influenced by political interests, being veiled by Judaism and its sacred book, are contrary to reason, logic, and the understanding of peace in the world.

To comprehend Judaism’s perspective on war, it is necessary to delve into the origins of the commands and narratives in the Torah. Throughout history, Jews have considered preserving their identity and increasing their existence as achievements. It is important to note that, according to the Exodus section in the Torah, from Prophet Joseph’s arrival in Egypt, the Israelites lived in those lands for about four hundred and thirty years, undergoing a process from high-ranking roles in state administration to enslavement.

According to the narrative, they worked in the most severe conditions, were marginalized to an inhumane extent, and their male children were killed. Looking at the violence imposed by the Egyptian rule on the Israelites, who oscillated between existence and extinction, they believe they have the right to apply the same violence to other societies today to avoid falling into such a situation again, according to their beliefs.

The journey of the Israelites, led by Prophet Moses, leaving Egypt and advancing towards the promised lands, unfolds in such an environment. Therefore, any discussion of the violence on the Gaza/Palestine line today is defended by Israel as exercising the right to defend the promised lands already granted in their faith. They argue that these promised lands, requested by God through Prophet Abraham, are the ones they claim.

Looking at the Torah in general, the concept of war is mentioned more than seven hundred times, with God often portrayed as a warrior. “God will fight for you; you need only to be still.” “God is a warrior.” In general, according to the Torah, as war is in line with God’s will, there is no objection to killing a few enemies. When the time comes, God, who is omnipotent according to the Torah, also prepares an army for war. However, there are rare verses that suggest otherwise. For example, in one verse, God does not want David to build a temple for Him, stating, “You are a warrior and have shed blood.” In another verse, it is suggested to offer peace to a city before attacking it.

However, upon reading the continuation of the verse, it is evident that the peace proposed has conditions favorable to the Jews. Those who accept peace in the city must work and serve the Israelites, and if the peace proposal is rejected and they want to fight, the city should be besieged. The verse allows killing all the men in the city; women, children, animals, and everything in the city can be plundered. It is stated that the same should be done to all distant cities not belonging to nearby nations. Another verse mentions that God is with me as a powerful warrior.

Therefore, supporters of Netanyahu from the religious and far-right sectors, driven by such beliefs, will consider his actions justified. According to their beliefs, they will overlook the massacre of people. Despite Netanyahu appearing to have a strong source in the Torah, the violation of human rights committed cannot be downplayed, and this act of humanity will not be covered in any way. Religious reference do not diminish the suffering of civilians in both communities. Especially, nothing will be gained from the disproportionate use of force against the other side.