Kuwait bans new Disney movie because it stars Israeli actress Gal Gadot

Kuwait has banned the upcoming blockbuster film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile” because it stars Israeli actress Gal Gadot.

The Al-Qabas newspaper reported that the decision was made because Gadot served in the IDF and is, according to Kuwait, “a former soldier in the Zionist occupying army.”

Gadot, who is one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, served her mandatory two years in the IDF and has spoken out in support of Israel. She is proud of her Jewish and Israeli identity.

This is not the first time Kuwait has targeted movies featuring the Israeli actress.

Kuwait also banned the 2017 superhero film ‘Wonder Woman’, in which Gadot played the titular character. Lebanon, Qatar and Tunisia also banned the film, which grossed over $800 million at the global box office.

Kuwait supports the Palestinian cause and remains staunchly anti-Israel and refuses to normalise with the Jewish state despite its neighbours in the UAE and Bahrain recently opening diplomatic ties through the Abraham Accords.

Social media users in Kuwait demanded the film be banned, citing Gadot’s praise of the Israeli army and her criticism of the internationally-recognized terrorist organization Hamas during the 2014 war in Gaza.

Kuwait also banned the 2017 film that brought Gadot international acclaim: Wonder Woman. Lebanon, Qatar and Tunisia also banned the film, which grossed over $800 million at the global box office.

Gadot, who is from Rosh Ha’ayin and served in the IDF in her youth, has faced criticism and backlash for her support of Israel in the past – such as when she posted on Instagram in support of peace amid the May 2021 conflict between Israel and Hamas.