Israeli court bans use of crocodiles to guard prisoners

An Israeli court has prohibited the national security minister from using crocodiles to guard Ketziot prison, following a lawsuit filed by an animal rights organization.

Judge Avraham Rubin issued the decision on 2/8, just hours after the animal protection organization Let the Animals Live filed a lawsuit and requested urgent intervention. The court ordered a halt to all surveys and infrastructure preparations for bringing crocodiles to Ketziot prison until further notice. The Jerusalem court will issue a final ruling after reviewing the government's response before 16/8.

Crocodiles at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo on 18/8/2024. Photo: Times of Israel

Crocodiles at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo on 18/8/2024. Photo: Times of Israel

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman spearheaded this controversial initiative. The proposal outlined plans to construct a water channel system approximately 170 meters long around the high-security area of Ketziot prison. The goal was to then release Nile crocodiles into this channel, creating an additional security barrier. The project aimed to enhance external protection, prevent escapes, and deter security prisoners, especially Hamas militants detained after conflicts.

The Ministry of National Security had previously approved the project and began digging the water channel within the prison complex. "Those who have massacred, raped, and acted like wild beasts should be guarded by their own kind", according to a statement from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's office.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attends a weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on 10/9/2023. Photo: AP

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attends a weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on 10/9/2023. Photo: AP

To legitimize the project, Environmental Minister Idit Silman last month signed a decision to reclassify Nile crocodiles as "wild animals permitted for breeding". This move intended to allow the Israel Prison Service to acquire crocodiles from the Hamat Gader tourist site. This decision came despite strong opposition from the environmental ministry's legal advisor and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

Immediately after the court issued its ruling, Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sharply criticized the judicial system. He stated that the court was obstructing deterrent security measures. "Once again, during wartime, the judicial system sides with terrorists and prevents important steps to deter the enemy. We know the militants are trembling at the sight of crocodiles, but the court today came to their rescue", he said.