Synopsis
The live-action film 'Snow White' starring Gal Gadot has been banned in Lebanon due to her Israeli nationality. This move follows ongoing tensions in the region and reflects Lebanon's established boycott against Israeli artists.Key Takeaways
- 'Snow White' banned in Lebanon due to Gal Gadot's Israeli nationality.
- Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar ordered the ban amid regional tensions.
- Gadot has been on Lebanon's 'Israel boycott list' for years.
- Italia Films confirms no release of Gadot's films in Lebanon.
- Lebanon previously banned 'Captain America: Brave New World' for similar reasons.
Los Angeles, April 16 (NationPress) Amid the ongoing global tariff disputes, tensions in the Middle East are affecting Hollywood releases. The live-action film 'Snow White' has been prohibited from being shown in cinemas throughout Lebanon due to the inclusion of Israeli actress Gal Gadot in the cast.
Gadot portrays the Evil Queen in this adaptation. The ban was instigated by Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, as reported by 'Variety'.
Local media indicate that the minister's decision was influenced by the nation’s film and media regulatory body, amid ongoing Israeli military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which have resulted in civilian casualties. However, a representative from Italia Films, the Beirut-based distributor responsible for Disney films in the region, informed 'Variety' that Gadot has been on Lebanon’s “Israel boycott list” for a long time, meaning no films featuring her have ever been released in the country.
Gadot’s representatives did not respond immediately to requests for comments.
According to 'Variety', the Italia Films spokesperson clarified that, contrary to various claims, 'Snow White' has not faced a ban in Kuwait.
Born in Israel and a former member of the Israel Defense Forces, Gadot has been a vocal supporter of her home country, especially after the attacks on October 7 by the Palestinian fighter group Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organization. In a heartfelt address at the Anti-Defamation League’sNew York City on March 4, she stated, “Never did I imagine that on the streets of the United States, and different cities around the world, we would see people not condemning Hamas, but celebrating, justifying and cheering on a massacre of Jews”.
The October 7, 2023 attacks on numerous civilians with dual citizenship triggered a severe response from Israel, leading to a crackdown on Hamas and resulting in many civilian casualties in the region. Since then, global opinions have polarized into pro-Israel, anti-Israel, and those advocating for a two-state solution to the long-standing and bloody conflicts between Palestine and Israel, which traces back to the Balfour Declaration.
The prohibition of 'Snow White' in Lebanon follows a similar decision made by the authorities approximately two months prior, when Marvel’s 'Captain America: Brave New World' was also barred from screening due to the presence of Israeli actress Shira Haas.
