Ben-Gvir Halts Publicity for Crocodile Prison Security Plan

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has instructed his party to significantly reduce media coverage of a controversial plan to place crocodiles as a security measure in prisons. The decision, reported by Amir Ettinger in Ynet, does not cancel the initiative itself but aims to alter its public presentation. Ben-Gvir believes that extensive discussion of the plan during the election campaign could backfire, creating an impression that it is a gimmick rather than a serious security measure.

This marks a notable shift from Ben-Gvir's previous public engagement with the plan, which he promoted alongside the Israel Prison Service. The initiative involves digging trenches around Ketziot Prison as part of a pilot program. Previously, Ben-Gvir stated, "Whoever thought this was a gimmick was wrong." In early August, he visited Ketziot Prison with Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman to tour the trenches near an wing holding Hamas operatives.

The plan faced a setback when a district court halted the use of crocodiles for security purposes, following a petition by the "Let the Animals Live" association. However, the construction of the infrastructure and preparation of the trenches for the pilot were permitted to continue.

Ben-Gvir's office responded to the report by stating, "Minister Ben-Gvir continues to lead a historic, unprecedented reform in the Prison Service, from tightening conditions for terrorists to upgrading security and defense systems. We will continue to engage in real security work for the safety of Israeli citizens, not media spins."