‘Israel’ pushes plan to use crocodiles around prison for Palestinian detainees
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‘Israeli’ far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has proposed constructing a high-security detention facility for Palestinian detainees encircled by crocodiles, an idea “Israeli Prison Service” officials are actively examining through site visits and cost assessments as of early this year.
The unconventional plan, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” by Ben-Gvir, draws loose inspiration from a US facility in Florida’s Everglades wetlands known for its natural alligator presence.
On Friday, the ‘Israeli’ Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman reclassified the Nile crocodile as a “tended wild animal,” a move intended to allow the plan to proceed.
By reclassifying the Nile crocodile as a “tended wild animal,” Silman’s order would allow the IPS to launch a pilot program to keep crocodiles on prison grounds.
According to Hebrew media reports, Ben-Gvir raised the concept during a security briefing with IPS Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi.
The proposed site is near Hamat Gader in northern ‘Israel’ (in the occupied Golan Heights), home to one of the region’s largest crocodile farms with around 200-250 reptiles.
A delegation of senior IPS officers, including the deputy commissioner, toured the farm on January 1, to learn about crocodile husbandry, feeding, winter inactivity, enclosure requirements, and maintenance.
Hamat Gader CEO Yossi Mousanejad confirmed the visit was a “learning” mission.
“They mainly came to see, hear and understand — keeping a crocodile in captivity is no simple matter. It’s not a poodle,” he stated, emphasizing the need for specialized care, water management, and safety protocols.
Ben-Gvir has defended the idea as a cost-effective deterrent. “A small crocodile costs $8,000 and a large one costs $20,000. I told him: Whatever budget is needed, I’m giving it for this,” he said.
The proposal has drawn criticism from rights groups and others who view it as grotesque or impractical. B’Tselem chair Orly Noy called it “another grotesque example of the cannibal stage in which Israel is at right now,” arguing authorities “will try anything before trying justice.”
The story has attracted attention amid broader debates over ‘Israeli’ prison policies under Ben-Gvir.
