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VINnews · Jul 22, 2026

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🇮🇱-Israel digs crocodile moats around prison wing holding Oct. 7 Hamas terrorists Excavation work began Wednesday on moats intended to hold crocodiles around a high-security wing at Ketziot Prison in southern Israel, despite legal questions and strong objections from environmental and wildlife professionals. Ketziot Prison is located within the Ramat Negev Regional Council, which sent an inspector to examine the work. A council official said the trench was being dug inside the prison around one of its special wings and would extend for about 170 meters. “It cannot be seen from outside the prison,” the official said. “No one knows whether crocodiles will actually be placed there, but preparations are being made.” The Public Security Ministry confirmed that construction had begun on channels designed for crocodiles. The work follows Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman’s decision last week to classify the Nile crocodile as a “cultivated wild animal,” despite opposition from professional officials in her ministry. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s office said the decision had cleared the way for the project. Ad “Anyone who thought this was a gimmick was wrong,” his office said. “Following Minister Idit Silman’s signature and the official classification of the Nile crocodile as a cultivated wild animal, allowing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to establish the crocodile prison, the pilot has officially begun in a wing at Ketziot.” According to the ministry, the Israel Prison Service has prepared a detailed plan covering the maintenance, supervision and housing of the crocodiles. Prison officers have also received training on guarding the site and handling the animals. The ministry said 21 million shekels ($6.3 million) had been allocated to build the channels.

*🇮🇱-Israel digs crocodile moats around prison wing holding Oct. 7 Hamas terrorists* Excavation work began Wednesday on moats intended to hold crocodiles around a high-security wing at Ketziot Prison in southern Israel, despite legal questions and strong objections from environmental and wildlife professionals. Ketziot Prison is located within the Ramat Negev Regional Council, which sent an inspector to examine the work. A council official said the trench was being dug inside the prison around one of its special wings and would extend for about 170 meters. “It cannot be seen from outside the prison,” the official said. “No one knows whether crocodiles will actually be placed there, but preparations are being made.” The Public Security Ministry confirmed that construction had begun on channels designed for crocodiles. The work follows Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman’s decision last week to classify the Nile crocodile as a “cultivated wild animal,” despite opposition from professional officials in her ministry. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s office said the decision had cleared the way for the project. Ad “Anyone who thought this was a gimmick was wrong,” his office said. “Following Minister Idit Silman’s signature and the official classification of the Nile crocodile as a cultivated wild animal, allowing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to establish the crocodile prison, the pilot has officially begun in a wing at Ketziot.” According to the ministry, the Israel Prison Service has prepared a detailed plan covering the maintenance, supervision and housing of the crocodiles. Prison officers have also received training on guarding the site and handling the animals. The ministry said 21 million shekels ($6.3 million) had been allocated to build the channels.

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