Tel Aviv, July 22 -- Israeli authorities have started digging trenches at Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert as part of a controversial project to construct crocodile-filled canals around a high-security wing holding Palestinian security detainees, Israeli media reported on Wednesday, July 22.

The trenches will run for about 170 metres around the prison wing and are being built entirely within the prison compound, making them invisible from outside, according to Yedioth Ahronoth.

A local official from the Ramat Negev Regional Council said the work remains at an early stage and that it has not yet been decided whether crocodiles will ultimately be introduced.

Israel's National Security Ministry confirmed that construction of the canals ...