Extremist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir proposed surrounding prisons holding Palestinian detainees with crocodile-filled moats.
Hebrew media has reported that Israel has taken a legal step towards implementing the proposal. According to the media reports, Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman signed an order classifying crocodiles as “managed wild animals”, allowing government bodies, including the Israel Prison Service, to keep them under specific conditions.
The broadcaster reported that the move removes a major legal obstacle that had prevented the plan, as crocodiles were previously classified as protected wildlife and could only be kept in licensed zoos.
Ben-Gvir introduced the proposal about six months ago, calling for a high-security prison surrounded by crocodile-filled waterways to prevent escape attempts by Palestinian detainees.
According to the broadcaster, officials believe crocodile-filled moats could strengthen prison security while reducing security costs. It reported that a young crocodile costs about $8,000, while an adult crocodile can cost up to $20,000.
There was no immediate comment from the Israel Prison Service on the reported plan or where it could be implemented.
It is pertinent to note that Israel currently holds around 9,500 Palestinians in its prisons, including women, children and elderly people. Palestinian and Israeli rights groups say detainees face starvation, torture and medical neglect, with dozens of deaths reported.
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