Likud minister Idit Silman reclassified crocodiles as "tended" animals to facilitate a plan to surround Israeli prisons with the reptiles [1].
This regulatory change allows the government to bypass environmental restrictions that previously blocked the use of crocodiles as security barriers. The move advances a specific security proposal championed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir [1, 2].
Under the new classification, crocodiles are no longer viewed solely as wild animals subject to strict conservation laws. By labeling them as tended, the ministry provides a legal loophole for the state to acquire and maintain these animals for security purposes [1].
Environmental officials had previously opposed the plan, citing concerns over animal welfare, and the ecological impact of placing large predators around correctional facilities [2]. Despite these objections, the reclassification serves as an administrative mechanism to override those concerns [1].
The proposal by Ben-Gvir suggests that crocodiles would serve as a living deterrent to prevent prisoners from escaping. This approach marks a shift toward unconventional security measures within the Israeli prison system [1, 2].
Silman's decision effectively clears the legal path for the procurement of the animals. The transition from wild to tended status removes the primary bureaucratic hurdle that had stalled the National Security Ministry's initiative [1].
“Likud minister Idit Silman reclassified crocodiles as "tended" animals”
This administrative shift demonstrates a prioritization of unconventional security tactics over environmental regulations. By reclassifying a species to fit a specific security objective, the Israeli government is utilizing regulatory flexibility to implement the policy goals of the National Security Ministry despite opposition from environmental experts.
