An Israeli court has temporarily frozen a controversial plan to populate the moat surrounding Ketziot Prison with Nile crocodiles. The decision follows a petition filed by an animal rights group challenging the proposal, initiated by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, to enhance prison security. The Jerusalem District Court has ordered the state to provide a response to the petition by Wednesday. Ben Gvir’s plan aimed to deter escape attempts by introducing the dangerous predators to the prison's perimeter. Animal rights activists argue the plan is inhumane and poses ecological risks. The court’s intervention puts the unconventional security measure on hold pending further review and legal consideration of the animal welfare concerns raised.