Despite court order: Minister Silman advances 'crocodile prison'

Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman continues to advance the 'crocodile prison' project despite a freeze order from the Jerusalem District Court. This morning, she submitted an official request to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority to set conditions for keeping crocodiles in the prison service, aiming to start a pilot at Ktzi'ot Prison. Ben Gvir attacked the judicial system, saying 'the terrorists are shaking.'

Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman continues to advance the 'crocodile prison' project despite a freeze order issued by the Jerusalem District Court. This morning (Tuesday), Silman submitted an official request to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority to set regulated conditions for keeping crocodiles in the prison service, intending to begin the pilot around the terrorist prison at Ktzi'ot in the coming days. As part of the legal process, Silman is required to present to the court the conditions under which the reptiles will be held, and to this end she defined the crocodile as a 'groomed wild animal' – a definition that allows additional uses beyond regular display in zoos. The project is being promoted in collaboration with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and is expected to launch as an initial pilot at Ktzi'ot Prison, where crocodiles will be placed to guard the security prisoners. According to assessments, Silman is working to extricate the project from the freeze to advance it ahead of the upcoming primaries. Meanwhile, Ben Gvir sharply attacked the court's decision, accused the judges of harming Israeli deterrence, and claimed that the judicial system is siding with the terrorists. He said that 'the terrorists are shaking' at the arrival of the crocodiles and called for 'cleaning the stables in the corrupt judicial system' immediately after the elections.