Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:41am on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday International
Israel's Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman has reclassified Nile crocodiles as a “tended” wild animal, removing a legal obstacle to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s proposal to surround prisons holding Palestinian security detainees with crocodiles. The move has sparked criticism from environmental officials and legal advisers, who argue the minister lacks authority and that the plan conflicts with wildlife protection laws. The Israel Prison Service is reportedly examining the proposal's feasibility, while opponents have raised concerns over animal welfare, public safety, and the legality of using crocodiles as a prison security measure. (PC: X)
