- 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.
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