A legal dispute has arisen in Israel regarding a controversial proposal by the government to create a moat filled with crocodiles around a prison. This initiative, initially suggested by Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right National Security Minister, in late 2022, gained attention after an animal welfare organization challenged the plan.
On Sunday, the Jerusalem District Court issued a temporary injunction that prohibits the Israel Prison Service (IPS) from introducing Nile crocodiles to Ketziot Prison, a facility located in the remote Negev Desert near the Egyptian border. This prison is known for housing numerous Palestinian detainees, including those implicated in the violent attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Following the court’s decision, Ben-Gvir expressed his displeasure on social media, claiming that the judiciary was favoring terrorists over the state of Israel.
Inspired by the concept of ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ the proposal for a crocodile moat was first reported by Israel’s Channel 13 in December. Ben-Gvir, who oversees the nation’s prison system, suggested that this measure would serve as a deterrent against prison breaks.
Local media made comparisons to a U.S. immigration detention center in Florida, which was surrounded by wetlands teeming with alligators. During a visit to this facility, former President Donald Trump remarked on the numerous alligators that acted as a barrier to escape attempts. However, this detention center was eventually closed in June 2026.
In January, reports emerged of IPS personnel visiting a crocodile farm in Hamat Gader, situated in the southern Golan Heights. The farm’s manager, Yosi Mousanejad, clarified that while he was not supplying crocodiles to the IPS, he was providing training to their staff, stating, “Our crocodiles don’t wear security hats; we are a tourist attraction.” This revelation prompted skepticism from the animal rights organization Let the Animals Live, which has since filed a legal challenge against the crocodile moat initiative. Lawyer Hagit Gluska remarked that the situation seemed like a joke tied to the upcoming Israeli elections scheduled for October 27.
After the crocodile farm incident, it became clear that the proposed moat would be constructed around the existing facility at Ketziot Prison, a vast complex that accommodates thousands of Palestinian prisoners. This prison has faced significant criticism for its treatment of inmates, including allegations of abuse against detainees, a claim that has been firmly denied by Israeli authorities.
The legal controversy stems from a recent decision by Israel’s Environmental Protection Minister, Idit Silman, who reclassified Nile crocodiles from a “protected species” to “cultivated animals.” This change could potentially allow for their use in a prison setting, a move that reportedly disregarded the recommendations of relevant environmental agencies. Following this announcement, Ben-Gvir shared an AI-generated image of himself with a crocodile, suggesting, “The terrorists’ new nightmare,” and warning potential escapees to reconsider their options.
Excavation for the moat commenced soon after the reclassification, with an allocation of 21 million shekels (approximately $9.8 million) designated for the project. In response, Let the Animals Live appealed to the court to annul Silman’s decision, arguing that the reclassification was improperly conducted and posed a risk of suffering for the crocodiles. This led to the issuance of the injunction, temporarily halting the transfer of crocodiles to the prison until the matter is resolved in court.
The Israeli government and the IPS have been given until August 16 to respond to the case. Ben-Gvir reacted with indignation to the court’s intervention, asserting that it jeopardized his efforts to intensify conditions for prisoners, particularly those from Palestine. He reiterated a common sentiment among right-wing members of the government, who have frequently criticized the judiciary for obstructing their policies and have called for reforms to reduce judicial oversight.
