Lebanon Bans Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Over Casting of Gal Gadot

Lebanon has banned Disney’s “Snow White” due to the casting of Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who remains on the country’s boycott list. This decision follows similar bans on previous films featuring Gadot. Despite this, the film will screen in other Middle Eastern countries. The controversy underscores the ongoing complexities in Lebanon’s cultural policies regarding Israel.

Disney’s latest live-action adaptation of “Snow White” has been officially banned in Lebanon due to the involvement of Israeli actress Gal Gadot. The Lebanese authorities announced this ban following a recommendation by the General Security’s media censorship committee, as Gadot is included on Lebanon’s official Israel boycott list. The ban was formalized by Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar on April 11, 2025.

Gal Gadot, an Israeli national born in 1985, served as a combat instructor in the Israeli military and has publicly expressed her support for Israel amid recent conflicts. This public stance has drawn criticism from various regional factions, particularly following the escalation of violence initiated by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Critics argue that her inclusion in the film directly contradicts Lebanese laws that prohibit cultural exchanges with Israel.

Lebanon has a history of banning films featuring Gadot, including “Wonder Woman” in 2017 and “Death on the Nile” in 2022. Under Lebanese law, any interaction with Israeli citizens is heavily restricted and considered treasonous, emphasizing the country’s tense relationship with Israel. Currently, Lebanon and Israel remain in a state of war with no diplomatic relations.

While “Snow White” is barred in Lebanon, it has been released in various other Middle Eastern countries, such as the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan. The film premiered in the United States on March 21, 2025, but has reportedly performed poorly at the box office.

In a broader context, controversy surrounds the film “Captain America: Brave New World,” which features another Israeli actress, Shira Haas. Despite being criticized for her involvement, the Lebanese authorities deemed her not to be on the blacklist, allowing the film’s screening based on security recommendations. Activists continue to express discontent regarding Disney’s portrayal of characters affiliated with Israel.

The ban on “Snow White” in Lebanon reflects the country’s stringent regulations concerning cultural exchanges with Israeli citizens. This decision not only demonstrates the ongoing political tensions but also highlights the broader implications of individual public stances on international relations. As regions navigate their strained relations, the fate of films featuring Israeli artists indicates the complexities inherent in the intersection of entertainment and geopolitics.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com