Israel Amends Rules to Allow Crocodiles at Prisons for Security

Israel is moving to reclassify crocodiles, changing their status from 'wildlife' to 'farmed wildlife.' This regulatory shift paves the way for potentially deploying crocodiles in and around prisons as a measure to prevent inmate escapes, a concept inspired by facilities in Florida.

The proposal, spearheaded by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir in December, was initially met with ridicule from prison officials. However, it has gained traction following approval from Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman. This approval allows the supervision of crocodiles to transfer from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority to 'security agencies,' including the Israel Prison Service, which Ben Gvir oversees.

Under the new regulations, which took effect on July 15, Nile crocodiles can be held by security agencies provided they are raised according to conditions set by the Nature and Parks Authority director to prevent their escape into the wild. The Environmental Protection Minister must also deem the holding of crocodiles necessary for security purposes.

Minister Ben Gvir publicly supported the measure on July 16, posting an AI-generated image on Facebook depicting himself holding a crocodile, with text stating, "Ministers Ben Gvir and Silman surround prisons with crocodiles!" Reports indicate that Ben Gvir intends to deploy crocodiles around the Ketziot prison in southern Israel, which holds Hamas militants captured after the October 7 attacks that triggered the ongoing Gaza conflict.

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