Lebanon Bans ‘Snow White’ Film Due to Israeli Actress Gal Gadot

Lebanon has banned Disney’s “Snow White” due to Israeli actress Gal Gadot’s involvement, citing her presence on the country’s boycott list. This prohibition reflects Lebanon’s strict laws against cultural exchanges with Israeli citizens and follows a pattern of previous bans on Gadot’s films. In contrast, other Arab countries plan to show the movie, stirring discussions on ongoing regional tensions and cinematic representation.

Lebanon has officially banned the screening of Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Snow White” due to the involvement of Israeli actress Gal Gadot. The Lebanese Ministry of Interior announced the countrywide ban after receiving a recommendation from the General Security’s media censorship committee, noting Gadot’s status on Lebanon’s “boycott list”. Gadot, who was born in Israel and served in the Israeli military, has faced backlash in the region for her public expressions of support for Israel following recent conflicts.

Gadot’s military service coincided with the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war, and her recent social media posts, which included a message standing with Israel amidst attacks, have intensified criticism against her. The Lebanese government has a history of prohibiting cultural exchanges and interactions with Israeli citizens, as encapsulated in its strict laws against ties with Israel.

Prior to “Snow White,” Lebanon had previously banned other films featuring Gadot, such as “Wonder Woman” in 2017 and “Death on the Nile” in 2022. The laws against cultural interactions with Israel are rooted in the Boycott Law of 1955 and the Code of Military Justice, reflecting the absence of diplomatic relations and ongoing tensions between Lebanon and Israel.

In a similar vein, while anti-normalization activists criticized Disney for its casting choices, it has notably allowed the movie “Captain America: Brave New World,” featuring another Israeli actress, Shira Haas, to be screened in Lebanon. The Lebanese Interior Ministry attributed this discrepancy to security assessments, emphasizing that Haas does not appear on their official blacklist.

Despite the ban in Lebanon, “Snow White” commenced screenings in various other Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE and Egypt. In light of the film’s release, discussions surrounding Gadot’s casting have revived broader themes of Israeli-Palestinian conflict and cultural representation within the region.

The ban on “Snow White” in Lebanon signifies the complexities of cultural exchange between Lebanon and Israel amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. While other countries in the region are permitted to screen the film, the Lebanese government’s prohibition reflects its long-standing policies against any association with Israeli citizens, especially in the realm of entertainment. The film industry continues to navigate the intricate landscapes of politics and cultural representation, making it a focal point for discussions on normalization and historical grievances.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com