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Israel has taken a legal step toward implementing a proposal by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to surround prisons holding Palestinian detainees with crocodile-filled moats, according to media reports.
Israeli media reported that Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman signed an order reclassifying crocodiles as "managed wild animals," allowing government bodies, including the Israel Prison Service, to keep them at their facilities under specified conditions.
The broadcaster said the move removed a key legal obstacle to the plan, since crocodiles had previously been classified as protected wild animals that could only be kept in licensed zoos.
Channel 13 reported that the legal change followed objections from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority to the project, which Hebrew media has dubbed the "crocodile prison."
According to Channel 13, Silman's order added the word "managed" to the legal definition of "wild animals," clearing the way for crocodiles to be transferred to a planned detention facility at Hamat Gader, a hot springs site south of the Sea of Galilee.
Ben-Gvir first unveiled the proposal about six months ago, calling for a high-security prison encircled by crocodile-filled waterways intended to deter escape attempts by Palestinian detainees.
Channel 13 reported the proposal was first raised in a situational assessment meeting with Israel Prison Service Commissioner Maj. Gen. Kobi Yaakobi.
According to the reports, the Israel Prison Service has already begun examining the project's feasibility, including visits to zoos to study crocodile handling and care requirements.
Channel 13 reported that prison service representatives conducted a professional tour of Hamat Gader days after the proposal was first raised, to examine how the reptiles would be handled and acquired.
Officials cited by Channel 7 said they believe crocodile-filled moats could reduce guarding costs while strengthening prison security, estimating a young crocodile costs around $8,000, while an adult can cost up to $20,000.
Channel 13 reported that despite being an unusual proposal that drew mockery from some senior officials, the prison service has begun assessments toward establishing such a facility.
There was no immediate comment from the Israel Prison Service on the reported plan or on where it might ultimately be implemented.
Approximately 9,500 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, including women and children.
Palestinian and Israeli rights groups have said conditions in these facilities involve starvation, torture and medical neglect, which they say has led to the deaths of dozens of detainees.
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