Saudi Arabia to Screen Disney’s “Snow White” Starring Ex-Israeli Soldier Gal Gadot, Sparking Outrage
Decision to show the film during the Gaza war draws sharp criticism amid accusations of cultural normalization with Israel.
Watan-In a move that has sparked a storm of public outrage and political criticism, Saudi Arabia has decided to screen Disney’s new “Snow White” film—starring former Israeli occupation army soldier Gal Gadot—starting April 17.
Gal Gadot, who plays the role of the “Evil Queen” in the new version, is not just an actress, but has a clear military background, having served as a trainer in the Israeli occupation army from 2005 to 2007. She has used her fame as a movie star to promote the Israeli occupation’s narrative and justify its crimes against the Palestinian people. On multiple occasions, she has openly expressed support for attacks on Gaza and what she calls Israel’s right to defend itself.
The Saudi decision to show the film comes at a time when Palestinians in Gaza are facing an ongoing genocide that has lasted more than six months, while citizens in the Kingdom are banned from holding any public displays of support for Gaza or protests against the crimes of the occupation.
🔴ليس مجرد عرض سينمائي وما خفي أعظم!.. “سنو وايت” من معسكرات الاحتلال إلى بلاط محمد بن سلمان
لم يكتفِ ولي العهد بمنع أي مظاهر دعم علني لـ غـ *&ـرة داخل المملكة.. بل مضى خطوة أبعد في الاستفزاز والتصـ *ـهـ* ـين 👇 pic.twitter.com/rhzHENXPPw
— وطن. يغرد خارج السرب (@watanserb_news) April 16, 2025
Cultural Normalization or Complicity?
In contrast, both Kuwait and Lebanon have officially banned the screening of the film due to Gadot’s involvement, considering her appearance on screen a direct provocation to the feelings of Arab and Muslim citizens and an indirect form of support for the occupation.
Observers interpret this Saudi move as a clear continuation of a policy of “cultural normalization,” which is no longer limited to political and economic agreements but is now being promoted on screens, in artistic productions, and under slogans of openness and entertainment.
What reinforces these concerns is the timing of the film’s release—while scenes of bloodshed and massacres in Gaza still dominate the headlines, and the silence of Arab leaders is turning into actual complicity with the occupier, according to activists.
This is not the first time Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for choosing films that normalize relations with the occupation. Previous works featuring Israeli actors have sparked similar outrage, but the screening of a film starring Gadot—who has long been a vocal supporter of the occupation—is, in the eyes of many, a step that crosses all red lines.
