Court issues interim order barring advancement of 'Ben Gvir's crocodile prison'

The Jerusalem District Court issued an interim order prohibiting the state from advancing the plan to transfer Nile crocodiles to Ktziot prison, hours after the 'Let the Animals Live' petition was filed. Judge Avraham Rubin ruled that actions under the Environmental Protection Minister's declaration of the crocodiles as 'cultivated wild animals' would be barred until a decision on the request for an interim injunction. The petition was filed against Minister Idit Silman, Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and the Israel Prison Service, alleging lack of authority and disregard for professional objections. Minister Ben Gvir attacked the judicial system.

The Jerusalem District Court issued an interim order today (Sunday) prohibiting the state from advancing the plan to transfer Nile crocodiles to the Ktziot detention facility. The order was given hours after the 'Let the Animals Live' association filed an administrative petition and an urgent request to halt the move. Judge Avraham Rubin ruled that at this stage, actions under the Environmental Protection Minister's declaration of the Nile crocodiles as 'cultivated wild animals' would be prohibited. The order will remain in effect until a decision is made on the request for an interim injunction, after the state submits its response. The respondents were required to respond to the request by August 16. The petition was filed against Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and the Israel Prison Service. The association demands the cancellation of the minister's decision from July 15, which it claims was intended to allow the use of crocodiles for guarding and deterrence purposes in prisons, while removing their status as protected wild animals and eliminating licensing and supervision mechanisms. The request alleges that the IPS has already begun operations on the ground, including digging a trench around Ktziot prison and meetings with parties holding crocodiles. It also claims that 21 million shekels were allocated for the pilot from the National Security Ministry's budget. According to the association, the decision was made without authority and while ignoring objections from professional and legal advisors. The expert opinions attached to the petition warned of danger to the crocodiles, the public, and the environment. The association's lawyers stated that the court halted a dangerous and illegal move, and that crocodiles are not weapons or means of punishment. In response, Minister Ben Gvir attacked the judicial system, claiming it stands with terrorists and thwarts important deterrence measures, and that cleaning the stables in the judicial system is critical after the elections.