Lebanon, Kuwait ban Disney’s Snow White

Lebanon and Kuwait have officially banned Disney's new live-action adaptation of Snow White from screening in the country due to the involvement of "Israeli" actress Gal Gadot.

- In Kuwait -

Kuwaiti newspaper, Al-Qabas, reported that major cinema chains in Kuwait have officially halted screenings of Disney’s upcoming live-action Snow White following widespread backlash and campaigns pushing to ban the movie.

The public pressure ultimately prompted cinemas to cancel showings of the film, in line with Kuwait’s firm stance against normalization with "Israel".

- In Lebanon -

The Ministry confirmed in a statement on Monday that Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar had signed a nationwide ban on the film following a recommendation from the General Security’s media censorship committee. The committee objected to Gadot’s participation in the film, as she is included on Lebanon's "boycott list."

Gadot, who was born in "Israel" and served as a combat instructor in the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) from 2005 to 2007, has faced controversy in the region due to her outspoken support for "Israel's" aggression against Gaza, particularly after the October 7, 2023, events.

This marks not the first time Gadot’s films have been banned in Lebanon. In 2017, Wonder Woman was pulled from cinemas, followed by Death on the Nile in 2022, both of which also featured the actress.

Under Lebanese law, any interaction, trade, or cultural exchange with "Israeli" citizens is strictly forbidden, and those who violate these regulations can face serious legal consequences, including imprisonment or even the death penalty.

The current geopolitical situation remains tense, with "Israel" continuing attacks on southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire in November 2023. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 4,000 people, including at least 71 Lebanese civilians. Hezbollah's retaliatory attacks on "Israel" have also resulted in civilian and military casualties on both sides.

Amid this, Lebanon and "Israel" have recently agreed to engage in indirect talks over their land border, mediated by the US. However, the idea of normalizing relations between the two nations remains firmly rejected by Lebanon’s leadership.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated last month that “normalization with Israel is rejected by all the Lebanese people.”