Greater Israel map, nooses: Ben-Gvir's birthday cake sparks controversy

ALBAWABA - The birthday party of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked widespread controversy, due to the participation of several senior police officers in the event and also because of an unusual cake he received as a gift from his wife, Ayala Ben-Gvir.

A photo posted on Instagram by the far-right minister showed him receiving a massive three-tiered birthday cake topped with a golden noose, a reference to the latest law imposing the death penalty on Palestinians detainees convicted of violence, which Ben-Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party have long championed and which was passed by the Knesset in March.

The bottom tier of the cake shows two pistols pointed at a map of Israel, including Gaza and the West Bank, alluding to his controversial gun control policies, which have been significantly relaxed during his time in office.

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A post shared by איתמר בן גביר | ITAMAR BEN GVIR (@otzma_yehudit)

Footage from the party, shared on social media, showed Ben-Gvir's wife, Ayala, presenting him with another, smaller birthday cake, also decorated with a large image of a noose and the words: "Happy Birthday to Minister Ben-Gvir, sometimes dreams do come true."

According to Israeli media, reactions to the incident on social media were divided. Some, mostly far-right activists, congratulated Ben-Gvir on his birthday and the law, and expressed their excitement about the cake.

Others mocked Ben-Gvir, calling him a "child" and ridiculing him, while left-wing activists attacked him, considering the incident a dangerous step, and criticized the presence of senior police officers at the event.