Story perspectives

Israeli Ministers Propose Crocodiles Guard Prison; Wildlife Agency Opposes

7/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman reclassified Nile crocodiles as wildlife to permit their use by security agencies in prisons.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir proposed surrounding Ketziot Prison, which holds Palestinian detainees, with crocodiles.
Israel Nature and Parks Authority opposed the plan, saying wildlife should be limited to research and education.
Prison Service officials inspected the Hamat Gader farm to evaluate a nearby site for housing the reptiles.

History

Historical Context

CITES entered into force on 1 July 1975, establishing a permit system that banned commercial crocodile trade. The treaty now protects over 40,900 species and obliges Parties to adopt domestic laws. Israel’s minister Idit Silman’s reclassification of crocodiles as wildlife and Itamar Ben Gvir’s prison-perimeter proposal risk violating those obligations, prompting scrutiny from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

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Story summary

Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman reclassified Nile crocodiles as wildlife to permit their use by security agencies in prisons.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir proposed surrounding Ketziot Prison, which holds Palestinian detainees, with crocodiles.
Israel Nature and Parks Authority opposed the plan, saying wildlife should be limited to research and education.
Prison Service officials inspected the Hamat Gader farm to evaluate a nearby site for housing the reptiles.

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