Israel's Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman has reclassified crocodiles from 'wild animals' to 'cultivated wild animals,' a move that could allow the reptiles to be used for security purposes, including guarding prisons.

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly proposed in December using crocodiles around a prison holding Palestinian detainees, modeled after the US migrant detention center in Florida dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz.'

The new classification permits approved security organizations to keep Nile crocodiles for security tasks, subject to government approval and conditions set by environmental authorities. The Israel Prison Service, which falls under Ben-Gvir's authority, is one such body.

Israeli media reported that Ben-Gvir intends to use crocodiles to guard Ketziot prison in southern Israel, which primarily holds Palestinian security prisoners.

In a Facebook post, Ben-Gvir wrote: 'Are you thinking of attempting to escape? Think again,' accompanied by an AI-generated image of himself with a crocodile on a leash.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority opposed the proposal, arguing that wild animals should only be kept for research and education. It also cited past incidents of escaped crocodiles posing risks to human life.

Source: www.dw.com