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.

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.