Israeli court halts plan to deploy crocodiles around prison for Palestinian detainees

The Jerusalem District Court has temporarily halted an Israeli plan to use crocodiles as part of security measures around Ketziot Prison in the Negev, even as the government continues to pursue the necessary legal and administrative steps for the controversial project.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Israeli Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman, in cooperation with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, is pushing forward with what the government calls a "pilot project" to deploy crocodiles around Ketziot Prison. The initiative aims to bolster security and deter prisoners classified as dangerous, amid a rise in the number of Palestinian detainees since October 7.

Despite the court’s decision, Silman sent a letter to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority requesting the establishment of conditions and standards for keeping crocodiles within the prison service. She described fulfilling these requirements as a procedural step toward implementing the project. In her letter, Silman said she was convinced of the "security need" to keep crocodiles in the prison service, adding that the project could begin in the coming days once legal requirements are met.

Reclassification decision sparks objections

The plan is based on a decision by Silman in mid-July to reclassify the Nile crocodile as a "domesticated wild animal," legally allowing its detention by security authorities. Previously, the crocodile was listed as a protected wild animal.

The decision has drawn objections from official bodies, as it was issued against the advice of the legal adviser to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the position of the Nature and Parks Authority. The authority stated that the law only permits keeping such wild animals for scientific research, education, or awareness—not for security purposes.

Professional officials have described the move as unprecedented and lacking scientific or legal basis, warning it may violate wildlife protection laws. Critics noted that the "domesticated wild animal" classification was previously used to allow crocodile farming for commercial purposes, but was later revoked after incidents of crocodile escapes and concerns about their impact on the natural environment and public safety.

Court freezes implementation

The Jerusalem District Court’s decision followed a petition by the animal rights group Let the Animals Live, which argued the project was illegal, endangered animals and the public, and called for the cancellation of Silman’s July 15 order permitting crocodiles for prison security and deterrence.

The court ordered the freeze to remain in effect until the state responds within two weeks, but allowed construction work at Ketziot Prison to continue, including digging moats for the project.

According to the petition, the Israel Prison Service has already begun preparatory work, including digging a trench around the prison and contacting crocodile owners. The National Security Ministry has allocated a budget of 21 million shekels for the project.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the court’s decision, saying it hinders the deterrent measures the government seeks to implement. He said, "The terrorists fear the arrival of crocodiles, but the court rushed to help them."

Ben-Gvir had previously proposed in December surrounding prisons holding Palestinian detainees with crocodiles, inspired by the "Alligator Alcatraz" migrant detention center in Florida, which closed last June after one year of operation.