National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was prohibited from using crocodiles to secure terrorists in prisons by the Jerusalem District Court on Sunday.
The court issued an injunction against Ben-Gvir's plan due to a petition by the animal rights organization Let the Animals Live.
Ben-Gvir reacted to the court's decision, saying that they were taking the side of terrorists.
"Once again, in a time of war, the legal system sides with the terrorists, thwarting important steps for Israeli deterrence," he complained. "We know that the terrorists are worried about the arrival of the crocodiles, but today the court came to their aid."
Environmental Protection Minister reclassifies Nile crocodiles
Last month, Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman declared the Nile crocodile a “cultivated wild animal” in a move intended to allow the Israel Prison Service to station crocodiles around prisons, despite opposition from her ministry’s legal adviser and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.
Pressure was placed on the Israel Nature and Parks Authority several months ago to allow the National Security Ministry to receive crocodiles from Hamat Gader and position them around prisons holding security prisoners. The program was expected to be piloted at Ketziot Prison.
Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.