Lebanon Bans “Snow White” Over Israeli Actress Gal Gadot

Lebanon has banned Disney’s “Snow White” due to Israeli actress Gal Gadot’s role, citing her status on the country’s boycott list. This follows previous bans on Gadot’s films and illustrates Lebanon’s strict laws against cultural exchange with Israel. The film will still screen in several Gulf nations amid regional divisions over Israeli participation in cinema. Recent political tensions further complicate public sentiment towards such representation in entertainment.

Lebanon has officially banned Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Snow White” due to the involvement of Israeli actress Gal Gadot. The Lebanese Ministry of Interior imposed this ban after receiving recommendations from the General Security’s media censorship committee, highlighting Gadot’s status on the country’s “boycott list”. This decision, made on April 11, prohibits any cultural exchange with Israel as laid out by Lebanese law.

Gadot, an Israeli-born actress, served in the Israeli military and has expressed public support for Israel, aggravating regional sensitivities. Following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas in Israel, she posted a message of solidarity on social media, further intensifying criticism against her in the Arab world.

Previous bans on Gadot’s films in Lebanon include “Wonder Woman” and “Death on the Nile,” reflecting stringent Lebanese laws that restrict any engagement with Israeli citizens. These measures stem from a historical context of ongoing conflicts and the lack of diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Israel since 1948.

While “Snow White” has been barred in Lebanon, it is set to be screened in several Gulf countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, showcasing a disparity in regional responses to Gadot’s casting. Interestingly, another film featuring an Israeli actress, “Captain America: Brave New World,” remains in theaters despite protests from boycott advocates.

Critics have directed their calls towards Disney and Marvel Studios over perceived insensitivity towards Palestinian issues as linked to characters portrayed by Israeli actors. Gadot’s role in “Snow White” as the evil queen has added fuel to this ongoing cultural and political debate.

Additionally, the backdrop of continued violence and political instability in the region complicates public sentiment towards Israeli figures in entertainment, as evidenced by the fluctuating public reactions and the imposition of bans. Recent ceasefire agreements have led to renewed discussions regarding normalization between Lebanon and Israel, but Lebanese leaders firmly oppose such initiatives, stating, “Normalization with Israel is rejected by all the Lebanese people.”

The banning of “Snow White” in Lebanon underscores the intricate interplay between politics and culture in the region, particularly regarding Israeli representation. This incident illustrates Lebanon’s strict adherence to its boycott laws against Israel, reflecting long-standing hostilities and social sensitivities towards Israeli relations. As screenings proceed in other countries, the reactions indicate significant divides in regional attitudes towards Israeli presence in media and cinema.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com