Lebanon Bans ‘Snow White’ Over Gal Gadot’s Israeli Connection

Lebanon has banned Disney’s “Snow White” due to actress Gal Gadot, citing her Israeli nationality and military background amid current geopolitical tensions. Gadot’s stance on Israel since recent conflicts has exacerbated the backlash. The ban highlights Lebanon’s strict cultural laws against Israeli interactions, while the film remains set to debut in other Middle Eastern countries.

Disney’s latest live-action adaptation of “Snow White” has been officially banned in Lebanon due to the involvement of Israeli actress Gal Gadot. The ban was enacted by Lebanon’s Ministry of Interior after a recommendation from the media censorship committee, which cited Gadot’s presence on the country’s boycott list. This decision reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly following Gadot’s public support for Israel amid recent conflicts.

Gadot’s nationality and past military service have triggered significant backlash in Lebanon. She was born in Israel and served as a combat instructor in the Israeli military, coinciding with the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war. Her unwavering stance supporting Israel since the October 7, 2023, attacks has resulted in heightened scrutiny and contributed to the ban on her films.

In the past, Lebanon has also prohibited screenings of other films starring Gadot, including “Wonder Woman” and “Death on the Nile.” Under Lebanese law, it is illegal for citizens to engage culturally or trade with Israeli citizens. This legal framework, instituted in the Boycott Law of 1955, classifies such interactions as acts of treason or espionage, leading to severe penalties.

Introduced alongside the controversy surrounding “Snow White,” the film “Captain America: Brave New World,” featuring another Israeli actress, Shira Haas, is currently being screened in Lebanon. This has ignited debates regarding consistency in Lebanese cultural policies regarding Israeli individuals involved in the entertainment industry.

“Snow White” has seen varied international reception, premiering in the UAE and set to reach theaters in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan. In Lebanon, however, the film remains unreleased, underlining the country’s steadfast adherence to its boycott policies against Israel and its citizens, substantiated by ongoing tensions between Lebanon and Israel.

Geopolitical dynamics continue to shift, with Lebanon and Israel agreeing to participate in indirect negotiations regarding their land border. However, any notions of normalization of relations remain firmly rejected by Lebanese leadership, underscoring the complex tapestry of regional relations and sentiments.

The ban of Disney’s “Snow White” in Lebanon, attributed to Gal Gadot’s casting, underscores the intricate relationship between geopolitics and cultural exchanges in the region. The prohibition reflects Lebanon’s legal framework against interactions with Israeli citizens and highlights the critical social sentiments surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As discussions for normalization between Lebanon and Israel occur, the prevailing opinion within Lebanon remains firmly against such initiatives, reinforcing longstanding tensions.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com