Israel clears way for crocodiles to stop prison breaks

Published 19 July 2026 · politics

Israel's environment minister has reclassified crocodiles so that they can now be used for security purposes. Far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly wants them to

Israel's environment minister has reclassified crocodiles so that they can now be used for security purposes. Far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly wants them to surround a jail holding Hamas militants. Israel's Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman has given a new classification to crocodiles in a move that may allow the reptiles to be deployed for security tasks, such as maintaining security at prisons. The country's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, reportedly in December proposed using crocodiles around a prison for Palestinian detainees on the lines of the US migrant detention center in Florida dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." Ben-Gvir is one of the most radical members of the Israeli government Image: Debbie Hill/UPI Photo/IMAGO Nile crocodiles reclassified as security assets The new classification puts the crocodiles in the category of "cultivated wild animal" instead of wild animals.

It could allow an approved security organization to keep Nile crocodiles for security purposes, subject to government approval and conditions set by environmental authorities. One such body is the Israel Prison Service, which answers to Ben-Gvir. Israeli media reported that Ben-Gvir intends to use crocodiles to guard Ketziot prison in southern Israel, which primarily holds Palestinian security prisoners. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Ben-Gvir wrote: "Are you thinking of attempting to escape? Think again." He accompanied the post with an AI-generated image of himself with a crocodile on a leash.

Criticism of crocodile use Israel's Channel 13 reported that the Israel Nature and Parks Authority spoke out against Ben-Gvir's proposal when he first put forward the idea last year. The authority said wild animals should be kept only for research and educational reasons. It also cited previous problems with bred crocodiles escaping into the wilderness and posing risks to human lives. Channel

13 also said the idea "met with ridicule by several officers" at the Israel Prison Service. Don't let the algorithm hide the news. If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your Preferred Source on Google by clicking here and hitting the "star" or "preferred" button, so you'll always see our verified news first.