Israel is Unique:
"We are not like everyone else, and that is why the laws that apply to everyone else do not apply to us."
Hanoch Milwidsky, an Israeli politician and member of the Knesset representing Netanyahu's Likud party, explains the deep-seated philosophy in a recent high-profile parliamentary debate regarding legal standards, international law, and conduct involving Israeli security forces.
Critics cited the statement as an assertion that Israel operates outside universal legal and ethical norms, while supporters argue such statements reflect the stance that Israel faces unique existential security threats requiring tailored legal frameworks.
The core to his belief, shared by many in the Ultra-Orthodox and Orthodox community is 'divine election' and 'exceptionalism'.
He argues that the Jewish people possess a unique divine status and mission, being born as a "high people" tasked with creating a "land of miracles and virtue", which intrinsically sets them apart from other nations.
Under this view, because Israel operates under a distinct theological mandate and accountability to God rather than universal human norms, standard international laws and constraints binding other sovereign states do not apply to it.
In the Old Testament, God explicitly calls Israel to serve as a beacon of truth and salvation for all nations. This divine purpose is clearly articulated in the Book of Isaiah:
"I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6 (NIV)
Through passages like Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 49:6, and Genesis 12:3, the Hebrew Scriptures establish that God’s election of Israel was never intended for their privilege alone, but as an instrument to reveal His righteousness, peace, and glory to the entire world.
An important question - is the Israel of today the Israel referred to in Isaiah?
To view Milwidsky's comments click below.
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