Israel Advances Plan for 'Crocodile Prison' for Palestinian Inmates

Israel has taken a significant legal step toward a controversial plan to house Palestinian prisoners within a jail surrounded by moats filled with crocodiles. The audacious proposal, spearheaded by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, aims to enhance security and prevent escape attempts by inmates.

Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman has signed an order that reclassifies crocodiles as manageable wildlife, effectively dismantling a major legal barrier to the plan. Previously, crocodiles were classified as protected wild animals, restricting their keeping to licensed zoos. This new order permits government agencies, including the Israel Prison Service, to house these animals under specific conditions.

The legal change was reportedly made after the Israel Nature and Parks Authority objected to the project, which Israeli media has dubbed the "crocodile prison." Ben-Gvir first proposed the high-security prison concept approximately six months ago, envisioning moats filled with crocodiles to deter Palestinian prisoners from attempting to flee.

The Israel Prison Service has begun assessing the project's feasibility, including visits to zoos to study crocodile handling and care requirements. Authorities believe that using crocodile-filled moats could reduce security costs while significantly strengthening the prison's defenses. The cost of a young crocodile is estimated at around $8,000, with adult crocodiles potentially reaching $20,000. The Prison Service has not yet commented on the proposal or its potential location. Approximately 9,500 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, facing allegations of mistreatment from Palestinian and Israeli human rights groups.