Invasive species or legal alien? Confrontation and controversy in protecting sabras in Israel

Abstract

In an era marked by heightened globalization and climate crisis, the proliferation of alien or invasive species has emerged as a critical issue. This article delves into the contentious debates surrounding strategies for addressing these species, offering insights into divergent visions of “environmental futures” and the intricate interplay of concern, risk, and power relations in the Anthropocene. Through ethnographic research, the article scrutinizes discourses and practices related to the preservation of sabras, recent immigrants from the Americas that have become emblematic in Israel/Palestine, symbolizing a shared connection to the land for Jews and Palestinians. The primary focus is on efforts to protect sabras from an invasive insect threat, which involves introducing a “natural enemy” to combat the intruder, sparking controversy among scientists and stakeholders. By employing the concept of “Anthropocene concern,” the article unveils the anxieties of various actors regarding nonhuman entities and demonstrates how these perceptions drive human actions or inaction. Despite the temptation to associate the political struggle only with the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, the article shows the importance of analyzing the political–scientific struggle around the appropriate approach to dealing with invasive species and how emotions, politics, and science are intertwined at different levels, requiring careful analysis and interpretation.