Ben-Gvir Cautions Campaign Against Highlighting Crocodile Prison Security Plan

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has instructed his Otzma Yehudit party's campaign team to downplay the controversial plan to secure prisons using crocodiles. Ben-Gvir believes that publicizing the initiative, which involves digging trenches for crocodiles around prisons, is perceived as a gimmick and is harming the party's electoral prospects. This directive comes despite Ben-Gvir's previous public endorsements of the plan, including a recent visit with Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman to Ktzi'ot Prison on August 4th to inspect pilot trench excavations. The court had previously halted the use of crocodiles due to a petition by the "Let Animals Live" organization, but allowed the infrastructure work to continue.

Beyond the crocodile plan, Ben-Gvir's campaign is also focusing on attracting votes from the Likud and Shas parties. He has been telling the public that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might prefer Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity party, over a right-wing government, aiming to draw Likud voters. Ben-Gvir also criticized the Likud's handling of the judicial overhaul, stating that changes he implemented in the police force and prisons have been more effective.

In response, Ben-Gvir's office stated that he is leading a historic reform in the Prison Service, from improving conditions for terrorists to upgrading security systems. They emphasized a commitment to real security actions for Israeli citizens, not media spin.