Gal Gadot: BDS activists want Justice League banned in Lebanon

Lebanese supporters of the cultural boycott of Israel are calling on the government to ban the screening of superhero film Justice League this week, saying the presence of an Israeli lead amounts to normalisation of an enemy state.

In May, the government responded to pressure from BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) activists and banned the screening of Wonder Woman, starring Israeli actress Gal Gadot. 

With Justice League, also starring Gal Gadot in the same role, opening in local cinemas on Thursday, the activists want the government to do the same.

Writing in Hizballah-leaning Al-Akhbar, pro-BDS writer and activist Pierre Abi Saab accused the promoters of the film of ignoring Lebanese laws that he said outlaw all forms of normalisation of ties with Israel.

"We thought the debate had been settled five months ago but we are now back to square one," he wrote, in reference to the controversy at the time surrounding Wonder Woman. 

"We call on interior minister Nouhad Machnouk...to pull Justice League from cinemas before it desecrates our screens and tarnishes our consciences," he added.

The film's casting of Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who plays the iconic heroine "Wonder Woman", had prompted Lebanon's ministry of economy and commerce to ban Wonder Woman in May.

"The ministry of economy and commerce issued a decree to start necessary procedures to ban the movie's screening," a statement by the ministry said at the time, adding that a previous decree issued last year banned all movies featuring the Israeli actress.

The ban fell in line with Lebanon's boycott of Israel, which is considered an enemy state.

In 2016, a similar but unsuccessful attempt was made by BDS activists to get Batman vs Superman banned – also starring Gadot as Wonder Woman.

In August 2014, the Israeli actress caused a stir after posting a picture of herself praying for Israeli forces as Israel led a military offensive against Gaza.

"I am sending my love and prayers to [...] all the boys and girls who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas, who are hiding like cowards behind women and children...We shall overcome!!! Shabbat Shalom!" Gadot wrote.

On Monday, Gal Gadot was the source of another controversy in Lebanon, when a local newspaper ran her picture alleging she was the Mossad spy who seduced Ziad Itani, a local actor apprehended last week for collaborating with Israel.