Israel digs crocodile moat around Palestinian detainee block

Israel is reportedly constructing a moat intended to house crocodiles around a high-security block at Ketziot Prison in southern Israel, which holds Palestinian detainees, including Hamas members. The unusual security measure, detailed in Israeli media, involves digging a trench approximately 170 meters long within the prison grounds.

A local official from the Ramat Negev Regional Council confirmed the moat's construction around a special block, stating, "No one knows if there will really be crocodiles there, but preparations are being made." The Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection has confirmed the construction of the channel designated for crocodiles, following a decision by Minister Idit Silman to classify Nile crocodiles as tamed wild animals, despite professional objections within her ministry.

The office of Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, stated that Silman's decision paved the way for the "pioneer phase of the crocodile prison" to officially begin at Ketziot Prison. The Israeli Prison Service has developed plans for the crocodiles' care, monitoring, and housing, with prison staff receiving training on handling the reptiles. The project has been allocated a budget of $6.3 million (approximately RM25.73 million).

This initiative follows Ben-Gvir's prior release of video footage from Ketziot Prison, which he claimed showed the conditions of detainees, depicting them being prevented from leaving their blocks and not receiving adequate blankets or food. Meanwhile, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority held an emergency meeting to discuss the proposal, with reports indicating all participants opposed the use of crocodiles in the prison. The classification of Nile crocodiles as tamed wild animals reportedly contradicts the views of the ministry's legal advisors and the professional stance of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.