Jerusalem Court Halts Nile Crocodile Transfer to Ketziot Prison Amid Legal Challenge

The Jerusalem District Court issued a temporary injunction preventing the Israeli government from proceeding with the transfer of Nile crocodiles to Ketziot Prison. This decision came shortly after the animal rights group Let the Animals Live filed an urgent petition against the plan. Judge Avraham Rubin ruled that until further notice, the state is prohibited from locating or preparing the crocodiles for transfer. The injunction will remain in effect until a hearing on an interim order, with the state required to submit its response by August 16.

The plan, promoted by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, involves constructing 170-meter-long trenches within Ketziot Prison to house the crocodiles. The initiative aims to enhance security around high-risk prisoner wings and deter escape attempts. The project began weeks ago after Silman declared the Nile crocodile a "managed wild animal," enabling security agencies, including the Prison Service, to hold them under regulated conditions.

Ben-Gvir criticized the court's decision, accusing the judiciary of siding with terrorists during wartime and obstructing important deterrence measures. He emphasized the need to reform the judicial system after upcoming elections. The National Security Ministry had approved the initial construction work, with officials stating that violent criminals deserve to be guarded by dangerous animals. The legal challenge and court order currently suspend the government's controversial security measure involving live crocodiles at Ketziot Prison.