Israel Advances Crocodile Prison Security Pilot After Environmental Approval

The initiative led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to surround security prisons with crocodiles has taken a significant step forward. Environment Minister Idit Silman signed a declaration reclassifying crocodiles as "managed wild animals," enabling the Israel Prison Service to launch a pilot program to hold crocodiles around security prisons. This move follows coordinated efforts by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Israel Nature and Parks Authority, Ministry of National Security, and the Prison Service to remove legal barriers that had previously blocked the plan.

Ben-Gvir proposed the idea about six months ago, aiming to create a prison model surrounded by crocodiles to hold terrorists from the Nukhba unit. The Prison Service conducted feasibility studies and professional inspections, finding that the model could serve as a strong deterrent and reduce security costs. Until now, the law classified the green crocodile as a protected wild animal, prohibiting its captivity outside zoos. The new declaration restores the previous status, allowing crocodiles to be considered "managed wild animals" but restricts their holding to security bodies and the pilot project only.

Minister Silman's signature removes the main legal obstacle, paving the way for advancing the pilot program around security prisons housing terrorists. This development marks a unique approach to prison security in Israel, combining environmental regulation adjustments with national security objectives.