Will Crocodiles Await Escapees? Israel Plans 'Crocodile Moat' at Prison

"If Surrounded by Crocodiles, Deterrence Will Be Strong"

Controversy is rising as plans move forward to construct a moat stocked with real crocodiles at an Israeli prison. While authorities explain that this measure is intended to strengthen security in response to prison overcrowding, experts warn that it could pose serious risks to the ecosystem and public safety.

"Construction of Crocodile Moat Underway"

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According to international media such as Ynet on July 22 (local time), preparatory work began on the morning of the same day at Ketziot Prison, located in the Negev desert in southwestern Israel, to excavate a moat designed to release crocodiles.

A representative from the Ramat HaNegev Regional Council, which has jurisdiction over the prison, stated, "Work is currently underway to dig a crocodile moat around one of the special detention blocks inside the prison." The official added, "The moat is approximately 170 meters long and is not visible from outside the prison. No one knows for sure if crocodiles will actually be released there, but the preparations are ongoing."

"If You Thought This Was Just a Show, You’re Mistaken... Everything Is Prepared"

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The individual behind the proposal to establish a crocodile moat at the prison is Israel’s prominent far-right politician, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. In a statement, Minister Ben-Gvir’s office warned, "Anyone who thought this was just an empty show of threat is mistaken." The office continued, "The correctional authorities have made thorough preparations. There are very detailed plans in place, covering everything from the breeding and management of crocodiles to the creation of resting areas for them." Reportedly, 21 million shekels (approximately 10.1 billion KRW) from the Ministry of National Security’s budget has been allocated for the construction of the moat.

Additionally, in order to facilitate excavation of the moat at Ketziot Prison, Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman recently reclassified Nile crocodiles, which were previously categorized as general wildlife, as "tended wild animals," allowing them to be bred in the prison. This move came despite objections from her team of legal advisors. Nile crocodiles are considered among the world's most dangerous crocodiles, known for attacking most animals.

"Introducing Crocodiles as a Security Measure? It Could Be Dangerous"

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However, environmental experts from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority are strongly opposing Minister Silman’s decision. The Authority issued a statement saying, "We have found neither professional nor scientific precedent anywhere in the world for introducing crocodiles as a security measure in detention facilities." They warned, "Introducing a large, long-lived, non-native predator into the ecosystem can pose multiple and diverse dangers to both Israel’s natural environment and the public."

Ketziot Prison mainly holds members of the Palestinian armed group Hamas and Palestinian security offenders. In a local radio interview on the same day, Minister Silman claimed that the prison overcrowding problem became critical after the sudden attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, as the number of security detainees surged. She argued that the crocodile moat is needed to enhance deterrence against security offenders.

Minister Silman added, "We must remember that the number of security detainees surged in the aftermath of the October 7 incident and that there is a real need to adopt deterrence measures." She stated, "Minister Ben-Gvir and correctional officials have told me that surrounding the prison with crocodiles will serve as a strong deterrent."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.