Settling Nature: The Conservation Regime in Palestine-Israel

Settling Nature examines the ecological warfare in Palestine-Israel through the unexpected lens of nature conservation, revealing how the state of Israel employs fallow deer, gazelles, wild asses, griffon vultures, pine trees, and cows to combat goats, camels, olive trees, hybrid goldfinches, and akkoub. This book argues that the administration of nature advances the Zionist project of Jewish settlement and the dispossession of non-Jews from this space.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2023
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

A captivating exploration of the complex relationship between Palestine and Israel is presented through the unexpected lens of nature conservation in Settling Nature. This groundbreaking book delves into the widespread ecological warfare practiced by the state of Israel, employing a diverse range of nonhuman soldiers to achieve its strategic objectives. On the Israeli side, fallow deer, gazelles, wild asses, griffon vultures, pine trees, and cows join forces against goats, camels, olive trees, hybrid goldfinches, and akkoub, which are affiliated with the Palestinian side. These nonhuman warriors are incredibly effective due to nature's ability to camouflage their tactical deployment, making them nearly invisible to their adversaries.

Drawing on over seventy interviews with Israeli nature officials and firsthand observations of their work, Settling Nature meticulously examines the intricate orchestration of this animated warfare by Israel's nature administration on both sides of the Green Line. This book not only highlights the powerful protection of wildlife biodiversity but also showcases the remarkable territorial reach of Israel's nature protection efforts. To date, nearly 25 percent of the country's total land mass is designated as parks or reserves, demonstrating a commitment to preserving and conserving the natural heritage of the region.

However, Settling Nature goes beyond mere conservation and raises important questions about the broader implications of Israel's nature administration. The book argues that the administration of nature serves as a tool in advancing the Zionist project of Jewish settlement and the subsequent dispossession of non-Jews from this space. By controlling and manipulating natural resources, Israel seeks to solidify its control over the land and ensure the dominance of the Jewish population.

This exploration of the intersection of nature conservation, politics, and identity is thought-provoking and sheds light on the complex dynamics that shape the region. Settling Nature provides a valuable perspective on the ongoing conflict and challenges us to consider the role of nature in shaping the future of Palestine and Israel. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay between environmental sustainability, human rights, and geopolitical tensions.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781517915261