Israeli Government takes legal step toward Ben-Gvir’s proposed “crocodile prison” plan

The Israeli government has taken a legal step that could enable the implementation of a proposal by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to use crocodile-filled waterways around detention facilities holding Palestinian prisoners, according to Israeli media reports.

Israeli Channel 7 reported on Thursday that Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman signed a declaration changing the legal classification of crocodiles to “cared-for wild animals.” According to the report, the reclassification would allow government agencies, including the Israel Prison Service, to keep crocodiles at their facilities under specified conditions.

The report said the amendment removes a legal obstacle that had previously prevented the proposal from moving forward, as crocodiles had been classified as protected wild animals and could not legally be kept outside licensed zoos.

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According to Channel 13, the amendment followed objections from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority to the proposed project, which Israeli media have referred to as a “crocodile prison.”

Earlier this year, Ben-Gvir proposed building a high-security prison surrounded by waterways containing crocodiles, saying the measure would strengthen prison security and help prevent escape attempts by Palestinian security prisoners.

Channel 7 reported that the Israel Prison Service is examining the feasibility of the proposal and has conducted visits to zoos to study the handling and care of crocodiles.

According to the report, officials involved in the assessment concluded that crocodile-filled waterways around certain prisons could potentially reduce security costs while increasing deterrence.

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