National Security Minister Tours Proposed 'Crocodile Prison' Site Despite Court Ban

Despite a district court ruling prohibiting the advancement of the 'Crocodile Prison' initiative, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the proposed site today accompanied by Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman. The project envisions placing crocodiles around prisons to deter terrorists convicted of serious crimes such as murder and rape.

Minister Silman explained that the visit to Ketziot Prison was meant to demonstrate the plan's intent to establish clear sovereignty and law enforcement while ensuring animal welfare. She emphasized that the crocodiles would serve as a stark warning to terrorists that harming Israeli citizens would result in severe consequences.

Ben-Gvir stated, "Here, in this place, there will be crocodiles," criticizing the court's injunction as an obstacle to their efforts. He highlighted that terrorists in Gaza and the West Bank fear such measures and asserted that in the Middle East, the dominant power must act decisively. He vowed to continue fighting legal challenges and called for the death penalty for terrorists if attacks resume, noting there are currently no ongoing attacks.