National Security Minister Ben Gvir's Birthday Party and the Death Penalty Law

May 3, 2026, 12:35
European UnionPolitics

Introduction

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir recently celebrated his 50th birthday. The event was attended by high-ranking police and political figures and featured images related to capital punishment.

Main Body

The party took place at Villa Space in Moshav Emunim. During the event, cakes showing nooses were presented to represent the 'Death Penalty for Terrorists Law.' This law was passed by the Knesset in March with a 62-47 vote. It requires that Palestinians convicted of terrorism in military courts be executed by hanging. According to the law, the execution must happen within 90 days of the ruling, and the prisoners cannot appeal the decision unless there are very special circumstances. However, the event caused tension within the government. Many people questioned why senior officials, such as the Jerusalem District Commander and the Prison Service Commissioner, attended the party. Former police operations head Sigal Bar Zvi emphasized that when political leaders and police officers are too close, it can threaten professional independence. Consequently, Police Commissioner Danny Levy limited the guest list to only senior command staff to reduce this risk. Furthermore, the international community has strongly criticized the new law. The European Union, as well as representatives from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and Australia, described the law as discriminatory. UN experts asserted that the measure violates international humanitarian law because it targets Palestinians while exempting Jewish Israelis. Meanwhile, civil society groups in Ramallah organized protests to express their fear of systemic executions.

Conclusion

The celebration highlighted the Minister's strong support for the death penalty law, a policy that continues to cause international criticism and internal conflict within Israel's security services.

Learning

⚡ The 'B2 Leap': Mastering Cause and Effect

At the A2 level, students usually connect ideas with simple words like and, but, or because. To reach B2, you need to move beyond these and use Logical Connectors. These words act as a bridge, showing the reader exactly how one event leads to another.

🔍 Analysis from the Text

Look at how the article connects the party to the consequences:

"...when political leaders and police officers are too close, it can threaten professional independence. Consequently, Police Commissioner Danny Levy limited the guest list..."

The Logic:

  • The Cause: Too much closeness between politicians and police →\rightarrow Risk to independence.
  • The Effect: The guest list was limited.

🛠️ The B2 Toolkit: Replacing "Because"

Instead of always using because or so, try these high-level alternatives found in or inspired by the text:

  1. Consequently / As a result: Use these at the start of a new sentence to show a direct result.

    • Example: The law was seen as discriminatory. Consequently, the EU criticized it.

  2. Furthermore: Use this when you aren't changing the topic, but adding a stronger point to your argument.

    • Example: The law is controversial. Furthermore, it violates international law.

  3. Due to: Use this before a noun to explain the reason (a sophisticated version of because of).

    • Example: There was tension due to the presence of senior officials at the party.

💡 Pro Tip for Fluency

B2 speakers don't just state facts; they link them. Next time you write, try to replace your next "so" with "Consequently" and your next "also" with "Furthermore." This immediately makes your English sound more professional and academic.

Vocabulary Learning

celebrated (v.)
to participate in a celebration or to honor someone on a special occasion
Example:Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir celebrated his 50th birthday with a party.
high-ranking (adj.)
having a high position or authority in an organization
Example:The event was attended by high-ranking police and political figures.
capital punishment (n.)
the legal penalty of death for a crime
Example:The party featured images related to capital punishment.
nooses (n.)
the loops of rope used for hanging someone
Example:Cakes showing nooses were presented to represent the law.
death penalty (n.)
the sentence of execution for a criminal offense
Example:The law is called the Death Penalty for Terrorists Law.
convicted (adj.)
found guilty of a crime by a court
Example:Palestinians convicted of terrorism must be executed.
military courts (n.)
courts that handle cases involving the armed forces
Example:The law requires that Palestinians convicted of terrorism in military courts be executed.
executed (v.)
to carry out a death sentence by killing the person
Example:The law requires that the prisoner be executed by hanging.
appeal (n.)
a formal request to a higher authority to review a decision
Example:The prisoners cannot appeal the decision unless there are special circumstances.
tension (n.)
a state of mental or emotional strain or conflict
Example:The event caused tension within the government.
professional independence (n.)
the ability of professionals to act without external influence
Example:Political leaders and police officers too close can threaten professional independence.
international community (n.)
the collective body of countries and global organizations
Example:The international community has strongly criticized the new law.
discriminatory (adj.)
unfairly treating people differently based on characteristics
Example:The law was described as discriminatory by EU representatives.
humanitarian law (n.)
rules that protect people in conflict and prevent unnecessary suffering
Example:The law violates international humanitarian law.
civil society groups (n.)
organizations that represent the interests and values of people within a community
Example:Civil society groups in Ramallah organized protests.
protests (n.)
public demonstrations expressing objection or demand
Example:Civil society groups organized protests to express their fear.