Current sectionIsrael NewsIsrael Political NewsEnvironmental Protection Minister Idit Silman reportedly removed the Nile crocodile's status as a protected wild animal, a move that could pave the way for Ben-Gvir's proposal to create an Israeli 'Alligator Alcatraz' for Palestinian prisonersShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeJuly 19, 2026Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman last week reclassified the Nile crocodile, removing its status as a protected wild animal and potentially paving the way for far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's proposal for an Israeli version of the U.S. "Alligator Alcatraz" facility for Palestinian inmates, according to a report by Israeli news outlet Ynet.CommentsIn the NewsU.S., Iran Exchange Fire for 12th Night in a Row; Houthis Target Saudi Tankers'Liars, Poison': Shin Bet Chief Shared His Anti-media Manifesto With Top AgentsTrump Wants a Lebanon Triumph. Israel Is Losing Its Seat at the TablePolice Let Over 1,000 Jews to Pray Across Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa on Tisha B'AvJudge Justifies Jewish Terror. Israel Must Act on West Bank Settler ViolenceRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIThe Most Optimistic Israeli in Jerusalem Is Leaving the CountryAs Ground Invasion Looms, U.S. and Iran Want Wild-card Israel Out of the FightThe Original Ozempic Society of Ancient RomeBetween Messi and Milei: How Argentina Became Israel's Team at the World CupDemocrats Rejected U.S. Aid to Israel, and AIPAC Couldn't Stop Them'Choose Hope': Natalie Portman Backs Arab-Jewish Party Ahead of Israeli Election