Israeli Environment Minister Approves Crocodiles in Security Prisons Despite Expert Warnings

A day after National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced that Environment Minister Idit Silman signed a declaration permitting the Israel Prison Service (IPS) to keep crocodiles around security prisons for terrorists, a professional opinion from the Nature and Parks Authority revealed serious concerns. The report, published by ynet on Friday, highlights multiple reservations about the move and warns of significant public safety risks. According to the Nature and Parks Authority, Silman's attempt to legalize crocodile use in detention facilities conflicts with existing laws, effectively creating a new definition for "tamed wild animals" after failing to gain support from professional and legal advisors.

The authority's opinion states there is no sufficient professional basis to approve crocodile possession in Israeli security facilities, regardless of the legal framework used. It further warns that introducing a large, dangerous, long-lived, and non-native wild animal into a complex operational security system poses substantial risks that professionally preclude recommending the initiative. The IPS responded that it plans to rely on its experience handling dogs to manage the crocodiles.

Dr. Noam Lider, head of the Ecology Department at the Nature and Parks Authority, also raised animal welfare concerns, noting that using crocodiles for security or deterrence deviates from accepted purposes for holding wild animals, such as conservation, research, rehabilitation, or education. He warned that security considerations might override necessary welfare, veterinary care, and maintenance over the crocodiles' decades-long lifespan.

The opinion further cautions that escaped crocodiles could cause ongoing safety and environmental hazards. If a crocodile enters drainage systems, water reservoirs, streams, or fish ponds, it could survive long-term, be difficult to locate and capture, prey on local wildlife, and endanger the public. The document notes this is a real risk, citing past crocodile escapes from captivity.

Minister Silman argued that unlike previous negative experiences, a state security body would responsibly manage the crocodiles under conditions set by the Nature and Parks Authority. The authority's chief prosecutor, Attorney Shay Peretz, emphasized the need for a formal process before approving crocodile possession for security, including discussion and approval by the full Nature and Parks Authority board. However, Silman reportedly decided to approve the measure unilaterally.

The decision has sparked expected opposition from environmental groups. Organizations such as Let the Animals Live, the Campaign for Veganism in the IDF, Animals, and the Or Rescue Farm oppose using animals for security or deterrence, arguing that alternatives like cameras, sensors, electronic fences, and watchtowers suffice. They are reportedly considering petitioning Israel's Supreme Court against the move.