Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman told 103FM she reclassified crocodiles as a "managed wild animal" to enable a Shin Bet pilot placing crocodiles around Ketziot Prison, arguing the measure is a security deterrent rather than a publicity stunt. She backed National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's push to tighten prison conditions and cited a sharp rise in security detainees since October 7. Silman also addressed controversy over remarks attributed to Rabbi Dov Lando, reiterated respect for religious Zionism, and defended past political actions that removed Mansour Abbas's allies.
Silman Defends Crocodile Perimeter at Ketziot Prison as Security Measure, Not a Publicity Stunt
An Israel Prison Service officer at Ketziot Prison watches as Palestinian prisoners are prepared for release in exchange for Israeli hostages held by Gazan terrorists, February 26, 2025; illustrative. (photo credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)
Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman has defended a controversial pilot plan to place crocodiles around Ketziot Prison, saying the move is a pragmatic security measure rather than a publicity stunt. In a Wednesday interview on 103FM, Silman said she reclassified crocodiles as a "managed wild animal" to allow the Shin Bet to carry out a limited, welfare-monitored pilot program around the facility that holds Nukhba detainees.
What Silman said
"I signed an order allowing the Shin Bet, for a specific pilot program around Ketziot Prison, where Nukhba terrorists are being held, to make specific use of crocodiles while ensuring their welfare," Silman said.
Silman told listeners she participated in internal security discussions with the Israel Prison Service and other security agencies, who asked for a perimeter deterrent. She argued crocodiles would have a strong psychological deterrent effect on some detainees, and said the step was taken because the number of security prisoners has risen sharply since October 7 while staffing has not kept pace.
Political context
Silman reaffirmed her political alliance with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and said she supports his broader efforts to tighten prison conditions and reform prison handling. She described the measure as part of a broader push to address overcrowding and security challenges in Israel's prisons.
Israeli Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman attends a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, July 1, 2026. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)
Controversies addressed
During the interview Silman also responded to recent controversies: remarks attributed to Degel HaTorah spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando and an AI-generated Likud campaign video targeting former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. On the reported rabbinic comments, Silman said she was not familiar with the specific rabbi cited, that she respects religious Zionism and Israeli rabbis generally, and that all communities should do some introspection.
She closed the interview defending her recent political moves — including steps that helped remove Mansour Abbas's allies from the previous government — and said she had no regrets about those actions. The interview noted she attended a Knesset plenum session in Jerusalem on July 1, 2026.
Practical notes
Silman said any use of crocodiles would be tightly controlled, limited to the specific pilot program, and would include measures intended to protect animal welfare. She described the plan as a security deterrent rather than spectacle, while acknowledging critics who view it as provocative.
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