Introduction

Israeli Environmental Minister Idit Silman signed a directive this week reclassifying Nile crocodiles as “specially managed wild animals,” a legal category that enables the government to use the reptiles for security purposes, according to officials. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the plan was inspired by the Trump administration’s now-shuttered Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention center in Florida. The directive allows the Israel Prison Service to introduce crocodiles into a moat around Ketziot Prison in southern Israel, officials said.

Plan Details and Initial Reactions

Ben-Gvir celebrated Silman’s decree in a social media post showing him petting a crocodile, with the caption: “Cursed terrorist, thinking of trying to escape? Think again.” The liberal US Jewish group J Street responded, stating: “When cruelty becomes a governing principle instead of an aberration within the Israeli government, something has gone deeply wrong.” ^[1]

The move by Silman came despite objections from her own ministry’s legal adviser and the Nature and Parks Authority, according to reports. The Israel Prison Service sent a fact-finding mission to the Hamat Gader crocodile farm in January, arguing that its employees could handle the animals, officials said. ^[1] The use of moats for containing animals has historical precedent in zoo design, where facilities such as the Krefeld Zoo separated apes from visitors by a narrow moat, according to the book “The Zookeeper’s War.” ^[2]

Prison Conditions and Security Minister’s Comments

Ben-Gvir has openly boasted about the deterioration in conditions for Palestinian prisoners since October 2023. “We go into the prisons, and they wet themselves,” Ben-Gvir said during a speech on Friday, according to reports. “I’m not joking. They’re afraid. Fear rules them, and that’s how it should be.” ^[1] The plan follows a 2021 escape of six prisoners from Gilboa Prison using improvised tools, which Ben-Gvir cited as a security concern.

Former Palestinian detainees and Israeli personnel have described beatings, sexual torture, attacks by dogs, and other abuse at facilities such as Sde Teiman prison, according to reports. ^[3] The Israeli military is investigating the deaths of dozens of detainees at Sde Teiman, including one who died after allegedly being sodomized with an electric baton, according to accounts. ^[3] Ben-Gvir has defended reservists accused of torturing Palestinian prisoners and called those allegedly involved in a gang rape at Sde Teiman “heroes,” reports state. ^[1]

Opposition from Environmental Groups

Several Israeli environmental groups issued a joint statement opposing the use of crocodiles in prisons. “Crocodiles are sentient beings, with complex needs for space, water, temperature, and natural behavior,” the groups said. ^[1] They noted that crocodiles become sluggish and stop eating in winter, and added: “Security should be achieved through real security measures, not through animals.” ^[1]

The groups stated they are considering filing a petition with the High Court of Justice over the matter. ^[1] Crocodiles are described in biological literature as ambush predators that depend on surprise attacks; they lack endurance for long chases and lie in wait camouflaged in water. ^[4] In zoo collections, alligators and crocodiles are often exhibited in enclosures that mimic their natural habitat, with moats used as barriers for visitor safety. ^[5]

Conclusion

Ben-Gvir’s plan comes amid Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, where more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, according to Palestinian health authorities cited in reports. ^[1] Social media users called the plan “cartoonish idiocy” and “Bond villain-level lunacy,” according to reports. ^[1] Researcher Shaiel Ben-Ephraim said the plan reflects prisons designed to “torture, rape, and murder Palestinians.” ^[1]

The directive approval is contingent upon the Israel Prison Service meeting animal welfare requirements and appropriate holding conditions, according to the Environmental Ministry. ^[1] The Hind Rajab Foundation has called for investigations into Ben-Gvir’s actions, including his advocacy for violence against Palestinians, according to reports. ^[6]

References

1. Brett Wilkins. “Inspired by Trump, Israel Advances Plan for Crocodile-Ringed Prison for Palestinians.” Antiwar.com. July 18, 2026.
2. Jan Mohnhaupt. “The Zookeeper’s War: An Incredible True Story from the Cold War.”
3. Chris Hedges. “Kidnapped at Sea: Thiago Ávila Reveals Brutality Inside Israel’s Detention System.” ActivistPost.com. June 29, 2026.
4. Dr. Becker. “Crocodiles’ Eyes Are Uniquely Suited for Ambush Hunting.” Mercola.com. November 15, 2016.
5. Franz Maier. “Zoo – The Modern Ark.”
6. Yasmine El-Sabawi. “Hind Rajab Foundation calls on top prosecutor to investigate Ben-Gvir ahead of NYC visit.” Middle East Eye. July 2, 2026.

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