Story perspectives

Smuggled Lemon Sapling Threatens Israel's Citrus Industry

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

A lemon tree sapling infected with citrus greening disease was intercepted at Ben Gurion Airport in luggage belonging to a 70-year-old man returning from Thailand.
The Agriculture Ministry said the disease could damage the economy and Israel’s citrus industry.
The passenger previously tried to smuggle fresh mangoes.
Authorities destroyed the sapling and confiscated items.
Shlomit Zioni, Director of Plant Protection at Agriculture Ministry, urged travelers to avoid unlicensed plant materials.

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Story summary

A lemon tree sapling infected with citrus greening disease was intercepted at Ben Gurion Airport in luggage belonging to a 70-year-old man returning from Thailand.
The Agriculture Ministry said the disease could damage the economy and Israel’s citrus industry.
The passenger previously tried to smuggle fresh mangoes.
Authorities destroyed the sapling and confiscated items.
Shlomit Zioni, Director of Plant Protection at Agriculture Ministry, urged travelers to avoid unlicensed plant materials.