Israel has removed a key legal obstacle to Ben-Gvir’s proposal to surround prisons holding Palestinian detainees with crocodile-filled moats.
Key Developments
- Israel reclassified crocodiles, allowing government agencies to keep them under regulated conditions.
- The move clears a major legal obstacle to Itamar Ben-Gvir’s proposal for crocodile-filled moats around prisons.
- Israeli media reported that prison officials have already begun studying the plan’s feasibility.
- Around 9,500 Palestinians remain imprisoned in Israel under harsh conditions widely condemned by rights organizations.
What initially appeared to many as an outlandish political proposal has moved a step closer to reality.
Israel has taken a significant legal step toward implementing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s controversial proposal to surround prisons holding Palestinian detainees with crocodile-filled moats, according to Hebrew media reports.
The move follows a decision by Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman to reclassify crocodiles as “managed wild animals,” allowing Israeli government agencies—including the Israel Prison Service—to keep the reptiles under specified conditions.
According to Israel’s Channel 7, the legal change removes one of the principal obstacles that had prevented the proposal from advancing.
Previously, crocodiles were classified as protected wild animals and could only be kept in licensed zoological facilities.
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Legal Barrier Removed
Hebrew media reported that the decision follows months of discussions surrounding Ben-Gvir’s proposal, which he unveiled roughly six months ago as part of plans for a new high-security prison designed to hold Palestinian detainees.
The proposal calls for surrounding the prison with waterways inhabited by crocodiles to deter escape attempts.
Channel 13 reported that the project—dubbed the “crocodile prison” by Israeli media—had previously stalled after objections from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.
The new legal classification removes that obstacle, allowing state institutions to keep crocodiles under government supervision.
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Prison Service Studying Feasibility
According to Channel 7, the Israel Prison Service has already begun examining how such a facility could operate.
The broadcaster reported that prison officials have visited zoos to study crocodile handling, maintenance and care requirements as part of preliminary feasibility assessments.
Officials cited by the report argued that crocodile-filled moats could both strengthen prison security and reduce personnel costs by limiting the need for conventional perimeter guards.
Israeli media also reported that the project would require a substantial financial investment.
A juvenile crocodile costs approximately $8,000, while an adult animal can cost as much as $20,000, according to Channel 7.
Neither the Israel Prison Service nor Ben-Gvir’s office immediately commented on whether a final decision had been made regarding the construction of such a facility or where it would be located.
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Ben-Gvir’s Prison Policies
Ben-Gvir has repeatedly advocated harsher conditions for Palestinian detainees since taking office as Israel’s national security minister.
His policies have included tightening prison conditions, reducing detainees’ access to basic necessities and increasing restrictions inside Israeli detention facilities.
The latest proposal comes amid mounting international scrutiny over conditions in Israeli prisons.
According to Palestinian prisoner organizations, approximately 9,500 Palestinians are currently imprisoned by Israel, including women and children.
Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations have documented widespread reports of torture, starvation, medical neglect, physical abuse and deaths in Israeli custody since the beginning of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Rights groups have repeatedly called for independent international investigations into detention conditions, arguing that the treatment of Palestinian prisoners violates international humanitarian and human rights law.
If implemented, Ben-Gvir’s proposal would represent one of the most unusual and controversial prison security measures ever formally advanced by an Israeli government minister, further intensifying concerns over the treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody.
(Anadolu, Israeli Media, PC)
One could say that Ben Gvir is suffering from “Other specific personality disorders [ICD 10 – F60.1]. In many countries [like Germany] a psychiatric diagnosis would lead to a specialized therapy, most of all in a closed psychiatric clinic setting. For what this guy is guilty of, he would never then be a free man for the rest of his days. So, go ahead, Ben Gvir, and show the entire world to what this disorder leads in a political position.
I just call them parasitic maggots. I read once that studies show all psychopaths are thieves.
Hey, Been Qweer, go for a swim…
Ben G’vir is not an exception among Zionist Jew occupiers. No, he is just more open with his hatred and racism. Deep down inside this is what all Zionist Jews relish and admire. He is utterly without humanity. As long as the Zionist occupation exists, there will be no peace in this world. I pray Iran will do the whole world a very big favor and soon.
As long as Ben Gvir had to be the one to work with the crocs, his sweat would attract them and would, to the crocs, mean fear and they are drawn to fear. Knowing his evil mind, he would want to keep them hungry, which could, hopefully, lead to them take a bite and the others joining in the fat feast, so getting rid of at least one crazy israeli. How many IOF would, do you think, rush to his rescue?