Ben-Gvir proposes ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ for Palestinian detainees

• National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has proposed building a high-security prison near the occupied Hamat Gader (Palestinian name: Al-Hamma), surrounded by alligators, with the 'Israel' Prison Service currently reviewing its feasibility.
• The proposal draws inspiration from the U.S. “Alligator Alcatraz” facility, while critics highlight rising Palestinian detainees' deaths and strict detention measures under Ben-Gvir’s tenure.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has proposed building a high-security prison surrounded by alligators near the occupied Hamat Gader, originally known as Al-Hamma, according to 'Israeli' media reports.

The idea was raised during a recent security briefing with 'Israel' Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi and is being reviewed as a potential future facility for housing security detainees.

The proposed location is near the occupied Hamat Gader, a hot springs resort in northern 'Israel' that already contains a controlled alligator habitat.

While the idea drew skepticism from some officials, the 'Israel' Prison Service has begun a preliminary assessment of its feasibility.

Inspiration from U.S. facility

Ben-Gvir’s suggestion appears to draw inspiration from a controversial facility in the United States known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Officially named the South Florida Detention Facility, it opened in 2025 inside Big Cypress National Preserve with backing from U.S. President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Surrounded by swampland and guarded in part by the natural presence of alligators, the site was framed by supporters as a deterrent to escape. Critics, however, condemned its environmental impact, living conditions, and legal practices, with multiple lawsuits and a temporary court-ordered halt in operations.

During a visit, Trump commented, “A lot of bodyguards and a lot of police in the form of alligators. You don’t need to pay them that much. But I wouldn’t want to run through the Everglades for long.”

'Israeli' context and criticism

According to 'Israel’s' Channel 13, the proposed prison would be built in the occupied Hamat Gader area of the occupied Golan Heights, with alligators brought specifically for the facility and fenced to prevent inmate escapes.

The suggestion was reportedly met with ridicule by some police officers, though the 'Israel' Prison Service has begun studying the proposal.

'Israeli' site Walla reported on December 8 that deaths of Palestinian detainees in 'Israeli' jails have risen to unprecedented levels since Ben-Gvir assumed the role of National Security Minister in 2022.

Ben-Gvir has highlighted the strict measures taken by the prison service under his tenure, tightening conditions for detainees amid increasing rights violations.

These measures reportedly include restricting visits, reducing food and bathing opportunities, according to Palestinian human rights organizations.

Ben-Gvir and his party, Otzma Yehudit, support a bill proposing the death penalty for Palestinian detainees. Passed in a first reading in the Knesset in November, the legislation stipulates that anyone who intentionally or negligently causes the death of an 'Israeli' citizen, motivated by racial hatred or to harm 'Israel', should face the death penalty, without possibility of sentence reduction.