Israeli Court Temporarily Halts National Security Minister Ben Gvir’s Crocodile Prison Plan

The Jerusalem District Court issued a temporary injunction on August 2, 2026, blocking the Israeli government from advancing the transfer of Nile crocodiles to Ketziot Prison. The decision came shortly after the animal rights group Let the Animals Live filed an urgent petition against the plan. Judge Avraham Rubin ruled that no actions should be taken under the Environment Minister Idith Silman’s decision to classify the crocodiles as "tended wild animals" until the court rules on the interim injunction request. The state must respond by August 16.

The plan, promoted by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Environment Minister Silman, involves amending the law to allow the Israel Prison Service to place crocodiles around Ketziot Prison, which houses security prisoners including terrorists. By defining the crocodiles as "tended animals" rather than protected wildlife, responsibility would shift from the Nature and Parks Authority to the Prison Service. Ben Gvir cited a Florida prison model where crocodiles serve as a security deterrent, but critics note that unlike Florida’s facility near an existing crocodile reserve, Israel would build a new enclosure and relocate the animals.

The Nature and Parks Authority opposed the plan, citing insufficient professional basis and unexamined feasibility. The petitioners claim that construction work, including digging a trench around the prison and meetings with crocodile handlers, has already begun. They also revealed a 21 million shekel budget allocation from the National Security Ministry for the pilot project. The animal rights group called the move dangerous and illegal, accusing officials of acting beyond their authority and ignoring expert and legal advice. Lawyers Hagit Gluska and Amnon Keren representing the group said the court’s injunction prevents irreversible harm.

The legal process will continue after the state submits its response. The case highlights tensions between security initiatives and environmental and animal welfare concerns in Israel.