Ramat Negev Council Head Criticizes Minister Ben Gvir’s Crocodile Moat Plan Around Ketziot Prison

The head of the Ramat Negev Regional Council, Eran Doron, sharply criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s plan to build a crocodile moat around Ketziot Prison. Doron called the project a costly gimmick that wastes millions of shekels of taxpayers’ money, arguing that funds should instead be invested in practical security measures such as establishing a police station in Bir al-Saba, removing illegal weapons, and enhancing local policing in the Negev. He highlighted that millions were already spent in the past two years to build an additional wall around the prison complex.

Doron emphasized that residents of the Negev urgently need real security improvements rather than symbolic gestures, stating, "It’s time to stop the show and start working for security."

Environment Minister Idit Silman defended the plan, explaining that the crocodiles were classified as "tamed wild animals" to allow their placement around the prison. She said she signed an order permitting the Shin Bet to use the crocodiles specifically as a deterrent around Ketziot, where Palestinian security prisoners from the Nukhba unit are held. Silman noted that the prison service expressed a strong desire for this measure, as the prisoners have a significant fear of crocodiles.

Silman praised Ben Gvir’s efforts in prison security, citing increased numbers of security prisoners following the October 7 attacks and the need for new deterrence methods. She acknowledged skepticism but insisted the crocodile moat provides a meaningful deterrent, pointing out the rise in prisoners without a corresponding increase in guards.

The controversy reflects tensions between local authorities demanding practical security investments and government officials pursuing unconventional deterrence strategies amid rising security challenges in Israeli prisons.