Israel Advances Plan to Use Crocodiles for Prison Security

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is advancing a plan to use crocodiles as a security measure around prisons that house security prisoners. In a recent development, Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman signed a declaration classifying crocodiles as domesticated wild animals. This classification enables security agencies, including the Israel Prison Service (IPS), to initiate a pilot program for keeping crocodiles on prison premises while ensuring their welfare and suitable living conditions.

This initiative follows Ben Gvir's proposal to adopt a model reminiscent of former President Donald Trump's idea of surrounding prisons with crocodiles, specifically targeting a facility that houses Nukhba terrorists. The IPS has shown support for the concept, engaging in extensive planning that includes studies and visits to zoos. Findings suggest that constructing a prison encircled by moats filled with crocodiles could significantly lower security costs and serve as a strong deterrent against escape attempts.

After receiving approval for a practical pilot program, which includes planning for construction and establishing safety and environmental conditions for the crocodiles, the initiative faced a legal challenge. Current laws classify the Nile crocodile as a protected wild animal, which restricts its presence outside licensed zoos.

To navigate this legal barrier, officials proposed a solution that reclassifies the crocodile as a domesticated wild animal, a status that permits its use for commercial purposes. This classification was part of Israeli law until 2013, allowing for the breeding and culling of crocodiles for commercial use. The new declaration has been tailored to meet security needs, limiting the designation to authorized security agencies only.