Israel court suspends plan to surround prison with crocodiles

An Israeli court has issued a provisional suspension of a project to surround the Ketziot prison, located in southern Israel, with a moat filled with Nile crocodiles. The plan, which has a budget of seven million dollars, was proposed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir as a deterrent against escapes by Palestinian detainees. Ben Gvir cited the ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ model in Florida as inspiration.

The Jerusalem District Court halted the works following an urgent petition from the Israeli organization ‘Let the Animals Live’. The court’s decision was based on concerns regarding animal welfare and potential risks to public safety and the environment, rather than human rights issues. Legal representatives for the animal rights group argued that the narrow channels already under construction are insufficient for crocodiles that can grow up to five meters in length and weigh up to 400 kg.

The Israeli government has until August 16 to respond to the court's ruling. The project has drawn criticism from Palestinian authorities, who view it as a symbol of dehumanization, while animal welfare advocates demand a detailed investigation into the living conditions and training of guards for such a project.