National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the Jerusalem District Court's Sunday ruling blocking his plan to deploy crocodiles as a deterrent at Ketziot Prison, where high-security terrorists are held. The court's decision followed a petition by the animal rights group Let the Animals Live and opposition from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Monday publicly criticized the Jerusalem District Court's ruling that blocked his plan to deploy crocodiles as a deterrent at Ketziot Prison, where high-security terrorists are held. Ben-Gvir lashed out at the court's decision, which he argued undermines security measures for the detention of terrorists, including those involved in the October 7 attack.
The court's interim order, issued on Sunday (Aug 2, 18:12 Jerusalem), specifically prohibited the transfer of crocodiles to the prison, following a petition by the animal welfare group Let the Animals Live and opposition from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. The Zioneer reported earlier Sunday that the court had issued a broader order blocking the entire 'Crocodile Prison Plan.' The plan was first reported on Jul 18 as a proposed law, and by Jul 21 the animal welfare group had demanded a halt. On Jul 22, the Ministry of National Security confirmed that construction of a crocodile moat had begun at Ketziot Prison, allocating NIS 21 million for the program.
Ben-Gvir has championed the crocodile deterrent as a security measure for high-risk prisoners, framing it as part of his zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. The court's interim order, however, does not constitute a final ruling, leaving the legal status of the plan unresolved. The ministry has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision.
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