Lebanon Bans Disney’s “Snow White” Due to Gal Gadot’s Casting

Lebanon has banned Disney’s “Snow White” due to Israeli actress Gal Gadot’s involvement, citing her status on the country’s boycott list. Gadot, born in Israel and trained in its military, has faced criticism for her pro-Israel stance. Lebanon’s ban aligns with its restrictive laws against Israeli interactions, while the film will still show in other regional countries.

Lebanon’s government has officially banned screenings of Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Snow White” due to the film’s casting of Israeli actress Gal Gadot. The Interior Ministry’s decision followed recommendations from the General Security’s media censorship committee, which cited Gadot’s presence on the country’s Israel boycott list as the primary reason for the ban.

Gal Gadot, an Israeli national born in 1985, served in the Israeli military during her compulsory service from 2005 to 2007, coinciding with the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war. Her recent expressions of support for Israel amidst ongoing conflict have sparked significant backlash throughout the region. A representative for the film’s Middle East distributor has confirmed that the ban is indeed linked to Gadot’s involvement in the film.

Previously, Lebanon has imposed bans on Gadot’s other films, such as “Wonder Woman” in 2017 and “Death on the Nile” in 2022. Lebanese legislation explicitly forbids any interaction or cultural exchanges with Israeli citizens, deemed treasonous under their Boycott Law of 1955. Furthermore, travel to Israel for Lebanese citizens is also prohibited, reflecting the tense historical context rooted in the ongoing state of conflict since 1948.

Notably, the film “Captain America: Brave New World,” which features another Israeli actress, Shira Haas, has been permitted screenings in Lebanon despite protests from pro-boycott activists. The Interior Ministry attributed this decision to security assessments and clarified that Haas is not included on the blacklist. Activists continue efforts to pressure Disney and Marvel Studios regarding character portrayals that intersect with sensitive political issues.

“Snow White” debuted in cinemas in the UAE on March 20, with forthcoming releases set in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan. Despite its screenings in various Middle Eastern regions, the film’s performance has been underwhelming at the box office. Important to note is the vocal support for Palestinian rights from lead actress Rachel Zegler, who has made statements on social media about the situation in Palestine.

The current geopolitical landscape remains volatile. As the situation between Israel and Lebanon evolves, both nations have engaged in indirect negotiations regarding their borders under U.S. mediation. However, many Lebanese officials continue to reject any notion of normalization with Israel, reiterating their stance against such developments, highlighting the complex and ongoing tensions in the region.

The banning of Disney’s “Snow White” in Lebanon highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding cultural exchanges influenced by political sentiments in the region. Gal Gadot’s casting has provoked a backlash based on her Israeli nationality and military ties, illustrating Lebanon’s strict laws against interactions with Israeli citizens. While other countries in the region prepare to screen the film, Lebanon’s longstanding policy against normalization with Israel remains firmly in place. The complex dynamics continue to shape both the film industry and regional relations.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com