Israel’s environmental minister has reclassified Nile crocodiles from “wild animal” to “tamed wild animal,” paving the way for their use in prison security. This decision follows a proposal by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to surround Palestinian prisoner facilities with crocodiles to prevent escapes. Ben Gvir enthusiastically welcomed the change, posting a digitally altered image of himself connected to a crocodile with the caption referencing their collaboration to “fence” prisons with the reptiles. Initially, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and some prison officials opposed Ben Gvir’s idea, even mocking it. The reclassification now allows the Israel Prison Service, under Ben Gvir’s authority, to utilize crocodiles for security purposes. Reports indicate the plan involves breeding Nile crocodiles specifically to secure Ketziot Prison in southern Israel, where captured Hamas militants are held.