Israeli Court Halts Ben-Gvir’s Crocodile Prison Proposal

National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir proposed surrounding a high‑security wing of Ketziot Prison in southern Israel with a 560‑foot moat filled with Nile crocodiles. The plan, backed by a 21 million‑shekel budget, was enabled after Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman re‑classified crocodiles as “tended wild animals,” despite objections from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

Animal‑rights group Let the Animals Live filed a petition arguing the scheme would cause severe animal suffering and pose public‑safety risks. The Jerusalem District Court issued a temporary injunction on 2 August, barring the transfer of crocodiles and giving the state until 16 August to respond. Ben‑Gvir denounced the ruling as siding with terrorists.