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Itamar Ben-Gvir halts promotion of crocodile prison security plan
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has instructed his Otzma Yehudit party to cease promoting a controversial plan to use crocodiles for prison security. The move comes as the minister reportedly fears the initiative is being perceived by the public as a non-serious publicity stunt, which could negatively impact his party's image during the upcoming election campaign.
The proposed plan involved digging channels around prisons, such as Katziot Prison, to house crocodiles as a deterrent against escapes. While the Central Court has blocked the actual use of crocodiles following a petition from animal rights groups, infrastructure work on the pilot project has been permitted to continue.
Separately, Ben-Gvir has faced intense criticism for releasing an AI-generated video that appears to celebrate the tightening of conditions and the reduction of food and privileges for Palestinian prisoners. This follows a broader policy of increasing security measures within the prison system, which has led to legal challenges regarding the health and nutritional standards provided to detainees.
Entities
Benjamin Netanyahu · Israel Prison Service · Itamar Ben-Gvir · Katziot Prison · Otzma Yehudit
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] The court halted the actual use of crocodiles for prison security following a petition by the Animal Rights Society 'Living with Animals'. aljarmaq.net · ashams.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Issued internal instructions to the Otzma Yehudit party to stop promoting the crocodile prison security plan in media and social networks. aljarmaq.net · ashams.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ben-Gvir fears the crocodile plan is being viewed by the public as a non-serious publicity stunt, which could damage his party's image. aljarmaq.net · ashams.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The court mandated the Israel Prison Service to provide food sufficient to maintain prisoner health and prevent involuntary weight loss. alqudsnews.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Released an AI-generated video celebrating the tightening of conditions and food reduction for Palestinian prisoners. alqudsnews.net