Israeli Security Minister Ben Gvir Marks Birthday with Noose-Themed Cakes

(SeaPRwire) –   Ben Gvir has championed legislation which would introduce the death penalty against Palestinians in military courts

Israel’s ultranationalist National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir marked his 50th birthday this weekend, offering guests cake decorated with a noose. Several high-ranking law enforcement officials were among those present.

The cake appeared to be a reference to Ben Gvir’s support for a law that would impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of “terrorism.”

During the celebration held on Saturday night at Villa Space in Moshav Emunim, located in southern Israel, Ben Gvir’s wife, Ayala, presented him with a cake that featured a noose and the inscription: “Mazel tov to Minister Ben Gvir, sometimes dreams come true.”

Another large birthday cake at the event displayed an image of Israel, a portrait of Ben Gvir, two firearms, and a golden noose.

The noose imagery was seemingly a nod to the Death Penalty for Terrorists Law, which the Knesset approved in March with a vote of 62 in favor and 47 against. This legislation stipulates that Palestinians found guilty of deadly attacks in military courts will face execution by hanging, a provision that critics argue effectively exempts Jewish Israelis.

Sentences are to be carried out within 90 days of a ruling, with no possibility of appeal. The sentence could be commuted to life imprisonment only under certain unspecified “special circumstances.”

Ben Gvir and members of his party have been seen wearing noose-shaped lapel pins for several months as a symbol of their commitment to the legislation. The minister himself stated last year that “there is no such thing as ‘Palestinian people.’”

The law has drawn international criticism, with Germany, France, the UK, Italy, New Zealand, and Australia expressing “deep concern” and urging Israel to retract it. UN experts have also cautioned that the new regulation contravenes international law, asserting that it “effectively singles out Palestinians for execution.”

The attendance list generated almost as much controversy as the cakes. Among the senior commanders present were Jerusalem District Commander Avshalom Peled, Judea and Samaria District Commander Moshe Pinchi, and Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi. Cabinet ministers, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, were also in attendance.

Police Commissioner Danny Levy authorized only the most senior command staff to attend, instructing all lower-ranking officers to refrain from participating. This directive was issued despite widespread concerns that Ben Gvir might exert pressure on law enforcement agencies and compromise police independence.

Ben Gvir is known for his provocative statements concerning Palestinians, and at one point claimed he would strive to ensure that “the terrorists [in prison] receive the minimum of the minimum” in terms of food. The minister has faced sanctions from the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain.