Lebanon campaign urges "Spider-Man" boycott over 'Israeli' producer
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A Lebanese campaign advocating a boycott of supporters of 'Israel' has called on audiences to avoid the newly released Spider-Man: Brand New Day, citing the political views of 'Israeli'-American producer Avi Arad.
The campaign urged moviegoers not to purchase tickets for the film, arguing that supporting productions involving individuals who have publicly backed Israel amounts to indirect financial support for those positions.
In a statement published ahead of the film's release in Lebanese theaters Thursday, the campaign asked: "Do we want to support an entertainment production involving people who have publicly declared political support for Israel?"
Under the slogan "Boycott is a position... and your position makes a difference," the group called on the public to refrain from buying tickets or contributing to the film's commercial success.
The campaign said its stance reflects its opposition to normalization with 'Israel' and to supporting individuals or entities that back 'Israeli' policies.
Campaign cites Arad's support for Netanyahu
The campaign highlighted Arad's public statements in support of 'Israel', pointing in particular to an open letter he published in 2024 criticizing Chuck Schumer after the Democratic senator called for new elections in 'Israel' and criticized 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to the campaign, Arad accused Schumer of betraying 'Israel' and defended Netanyahu's leadership during the war.
Arad, who was born in the 'Israeli' city of Ramat Gan before later moving to the United States, is one of the producers of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Wider anti-normalization efforts
The boycott campaign said it has been working to counter what it described as growing attempts to normalize relations with 'Israel' through cultural and professional initiatives.
Earlier this month, the campaign, alongside public pressure and intervention by Lebanon's Health Ministry and the Lebanese Order of Physicians, welcomed the cancellation of the planned participation of 'Israeli' physician Sharona Ross at a medical conference in Lebanon.
The group also linked its call to boycott the film to the ongoing 'Israeli' war on the Gaza Strip and the situation in southern Lebanon, saying the film's release comes amid continued 'Israeli' military operations in both areas.
