Likud minister reclassifies crocodile as ‘tended,’ paving way for Ben Gvir’s prison plan

Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman has reclassified the Nile crocodile as a “tended” wild animal, a move that facilitates National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s plan to use them in the penitentiary system. This decision, made despite protests from the Nature and Parks Authority, would allow crocodiles to be held in facilities other than licensed zoos or sanctuaries. Ben Gvir initially proposed surrounding detention facilities, specifically Ketziot Prison, with crocodiles for Palestinian security inmates in December. The Nature and Parks Authority has consistently argued against the plan, stating that current law only permits holding crocodiles for educational and research purposes. One official noted, “We need to protect them; they don’t need to protect us. This isn’t the spirit of the law.” Silman’s decision was made despite warnings from her own ministry’s legal adviser regarding her authority to unilaterally lay the groundwork for such a plan. The Nature and Parks Authority’s plenum is expected to address this issue soon.