Israel approves legal change that could allow crocodiles near prisons

Israel has approved a regulatory change that could allow Nile crocodiles to be kept by security organisations, potentially paving the way for their use as part of prison security measures.

The decision was made by Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, who declared the Nile crocodile a “cultivated wild animal”, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post.

The classification could enable security organisations to keep the reptiles under specific conditions and with approval from environmental authorities.

Proposal linked to prison security plan

The regulatory move follows a proposal by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to station crocodiles around prisons holding security prisoners.

According to i24NEWS, the proposal was first raised in December and was reportedly focused on Ketziot Prison in southern Israel, where many Palestinian security prisoners are held.

The plan would involve placing crocodiles in designated perimeter areas as an additional security measure rather than inside prison facilities.

Ben-Gvir previously promoted the idea on social media, writing, “Cursed terrorist, are you thinking of trying to escape? Think twice,” alongside an AI-generated image showing him holding a crocodile on a leash.

Wildlife authorities raise objections

The proposal has faced opposition from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, which argued that keeping wild animals for security purposes was inconsistent with existing wildlife protection regulations.

The authority said crocodiles should be protected and used only for educational, research and public information purposes.

Officials told The Jerusalem Post that the proposed use of crocodiles as a security measure was not supported by the current legal framework.

Legal adviser questions plan

The Environmental Protection Ministry’s legal adviser, attorney Neta Drori, also raised concerns over the proposal.

Drori said there was insufficient professional and factual evidence to support the move and that there was no established precedent for using crocodiles as a security measure at modern prisons.

She also questioned whether the Israel Prison Service had the expertise required to care for dangerous wild animals.

Drori said the plan would require further legal procedures, including consultation with relevant authorities and consideration of animal welfare and public safety concerns.

Previous crocodile farming concerns

The classification of Nile crocodiles as cultivated wild animals had previously been used to allow commercial crocodile farming, including farming for skins.

However, The Jerusalem Post reported that past crocodile farming operations resulted in concerns including escaped animals and risks to public safety.

Former environmental protection minister Gilad Erdan later ended the practice following recommendations from the advisory committee of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority’s plenum.

Debate over implementation

Silman proceeded with the regulatory change despite objections from legal and professional officials.

Silman argued the proposal could rely on an existing framework and that some officials within the Nature and Parks Authority did not oppose the initiative.

However, a professional official cited by the publication said the move lacked legal basis and went against the advice of relevant authorities.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority’s plenum is expected to further discuss the issue.

Security measure remains under debate

The proposal has drawn comparisons to the “Alligator Alcatraz” concept in Florida, where a migrant detention facility was associated with surrounding wetlands inhabited by alligators.

However, the use of crocodiles as an active security measure remains controversial, with officials continuing to debate legal requirements, safety risks and animal welfare considerations.

It remains unclear whether crocodiles will ultimately be deployed around Israeli prisons.