Why Lebanon Banned the Live-Action 'Snow White' Featuring Gal Gadot
Lebanon's Ban on 'Snow White'
Los Angeles: The ongoing global tariff disputes are impacting Hollywood, with the live-action adaptation of Snow White facing a ban in Lebanon due to the involvement of Israeli actress Gal Gadot.
Gadot plays the role of the Evil Queen in this film, and the ban was enacted by Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, as reported by a leading entertainment outlet.
Local news sources indicate that the minister's decision was influenced by the country's film regulatory body, especially in light of Israel's military actions against Hezbollah, which have resulted in civilian casualties.
A representative from Italia Films, the distributor for Disney films in the Middle East, clarified that Gadot has been on Lebanon's 'Israel boycott list' for some time, meaning no films featuring her have been screened in the nation.
Gadot's representatives have not yet provided a comment on the situation.
Additionally, the Italia Films spokesperson noted that contrary to some reports, Snow White has not been banned in Kuwait.
Born in Israel and a former member of the Israel Defense Forces, Gadot has been vocal in her support for Israel, particularly following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which is recognized as a terrorist organization.
During a speech at the Anti-Defamation League’s annual summit in New York City on March 4, she expressed her shock at witnessing global reactions that seemed to celebrate violence against Jews.
The attacks on October 7, 2023, which targeted civilians with dual citizenship, prompted a severe military response from Israel, resulting in numerous civilian casualties in the region.
This conflict has polarized global opinions, with some supporting Israel, others opposing it, and many advocating for a two-state solution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a situation that has roots in the Balfour Declaration.
The ban on Snow White in Lebanon mirrors a previous decision made by authorities two months earlier, when Marvel's Captain America: Brave New World was also prohibited due to the presence of Israeli actress Shira Haas.