Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman explained that she had designated crocodiles as a "managed wild animal" to enable National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's proposal to surround Ketziot Prison with crocodiles, insisting that the move was not a publicity stunt in a Wednesday interview with 103FM.
Silman praised Ben-Gvir's proposals to tighten conditions in Israeli prisons and improve the handling of the prison system. During the interview, she also addressed comments by Rabbi Dov Lando and the Likud Party's AI-generated campaign video targeting Gadi Eisenkot.
"I signed an order allowing the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), 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.
"I don't think this is a public relations stunt. I sat in internal discussions with the Israel Prison Service, which is a security body, and they expressed a desire to create a barrier around this prison where the Nukhba terrorists are being held. Yes, it serves as a deterrent. They have a very great fear of crocodiles. We are speaking in a language our enemies understand," the environmental protection minister added.
Silman stated that as members of Likud and Otzma Yehudit, she and Ben-Gvir were “political partners in the same coalition.”
“I am happy in the Likud Party, and I am proud of this camp. There is a coalition partnership, and I am very proud of what Itamar Ben-Gvir is doing in the prisons."
She continued to say that since October 7, Israel has needed to develop additional measures meant to deter security prisoners.
Silman: Crocodiles can supplement prison guards as terrorist population grows
“I was told there is significant deterrent value in having crocodiles surrounding the prisons. Everyone can laugh if they want, but the number of terrorists has increased by thousands, while the number of prison guards has not," she said.
"Anyone who slaughtered, raped and murdered our people in such a brutal and horrifying manner should know that he is going to sleep surrounded by crocodiles. We have to remember that since October 7 the number of security prisoners has risen significantly, and there is a real need to address the situation," she added.
Addressing the controversy sparked by comments from Degel HaTorah's spiritual leader, Rabbi Dov Lando, who reportedly said that members of the religious Zionist community go to war in order to kill, Silman said she was unfamiliar with the specific rabbi being discussed.
Silman: 'We need a draft law'
"I don't know who you're referring to. I don't follow every haredi rabbi speaking to his own audience. He is not my personal rabbi. I am proud of religious Zionism. I respect all the rabbis of Israel. I know the haredi community and haredi voters. Everyone needs to do some soul-searching, and we need a draft law."
"I do not regret anything I have done. I am proud that I brought down the government of Mansour Abbas, the Muslim Brotherhood, and supporters of terrorism, and I am proud of what I am doing today," Silman concluded.