Israel’s Environmental Protection Minister, Idit Silman, has reclassified crocodiles, potentially enabling their use in security operations, including prison surveillance.
Far‑right National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Vir said in December that he envisions placing crocodiles around a facility housing Palestinian detainees, similar to the “Alligator Alcatraz” concept used at a U.S. migrant detention center in Florida.
Nile Crocodiles Designated as Potential Security Resources
The new designation moves crocodiles from the “wild animal” list to “cultivated wild animal,” which would permit an authorized security body to keep Nile crocodiles for protective duties, pending government clearance and environmental stipulations.
The Israel Prison Service, which reports to Ben‑Gvir, is one agency that could take advantage of this provision.
Israeli outlets have said Ben‑Gvir plans to station crocodiles at Ketziot Prison in southern Israel, a facility that mainly incarcerates Palestinian security detainees.
In a Thursday Facebook post, Ben‑Gvir warned, “Are you considering an escape? Think again,” and paired the message with an AI‑generated picture of himself holding a crocodile on a leash.
Opposition to the Crocodile Security Plan
Channel 13 reported that the Israel Nature and Parks Authority objected to Ben‑Gvir’s idea when he introduced it last year.
The authority argued that wild animals ought to be retained solely for research and educational purposes.
It also pointed out past incidents where farmed crocodiles escaped into natural habitats, endangering people.
Channel 13 added that several prison‑service officers dismissed the proposal as ridiculous.
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