Trees are protected by law in Israel, and so special permission is needed in order to uproot them.
In this case, the quarry operators did not get that permission. With no other options left, they continued digging around the tree. Without the soil around it, the tree did not get any water... it dried up and died, leaving us with this surreal story, and an interesting monument.

Proportions: 3:2
Recommended print size: 120cm (47") wide @ viewing distance of 1.5m (5')