- An Israeli court has issued a temporary injunction, halting controversial plans by far-right national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir to introduce Nile crocodiles to Ketziot Prison, which holds Palestinian detainees.
- The proposal, intended to alleviate staff burden and increase deterrence, faced strong condemnation from international human rights groups and animal rights campaigners, who labelled it 'cruel' and 'vicious'.
- The injunction was granted following a petition from an Israeli animal rights organisation, with Judge Avraham Rubin citing concerns about the potential harm to the crocodiles.
- Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman had previously reclassified the Nile crocodile as a 'cultivated wild animal' to facilitate its use for security purposes, despite its protected status.
- Ben Gvir criticised the ruling, accusing the legal system of siding with 'terrorists' and thwarting deterrence efforts, while human rights organisations highlighted existing concerns about prisoner abuse at Ketziot.
IN FULL
