Israeli Authorities Clash Over Tree's Fate, Highlighting Environmental Protection Gaps

A mature cypress tree in Kibbutz Sha'ar Ha'emek, located at the junction of the Jezreel and Zevulun valleys, has become the center of a dispute over its planned removal to make way for a vehicle path. Initially, the kibbutz sought and received approval from the regional forest inspector to cut down the tree. However, upon publicizing the decision, a kibbutz resident appealed to the chief forest inspector, Dr. Erez Barkai.

Barkai upheld the appeal, citing the tree's significant natural, ecological, and scenic value, and suggesting the path could be rerouted. Despite this, the kibbutz proceeded with construction, encasing the tree and its roots in concrete and damaging its trunk. The "Streets of Trees" association intervened, and while forest officials contacted the kibbutz requesting they avoid harming the tree, they admitted they lacked enforcement authority.

The tree subsequently died, apparently from the construction damage. The kibbutz then applied for a permit to remove the now-dead tree, claiming it was a hazard. "Streets of Trees" again appealed, arguing the construction caused the tree's death and that a criminal investigation was warranted. Barkai again prohibited the removal, noting the lack of action to protect the tree during construction and the likelihood it died due to the work. He stated the tree's body must remain until an investigation, which is currently stalled due to the National Security Minister's refusal to authorize agricultural investigators, can be completed.

The kibbutz administration denied intentionally harming the tree, asserting their commitment to maintaining a green environment and caring for trees. They stated their actions were not aimed at forcing the tree's removal. The article also touches on broader issues of public space cleanliness and the challenges in prosecuting environmental damage to trees due to a lack of authorized investigators.