Lebanon seeks ban on 'Wonder Woman’ film over its Israeli star

Lebanon's Ministry of Economy is seeking an in-country ban on the upcoming "Wonder Woman" movie because its star actress, Gal Gadot, is an Israeli, The Associated Press reported.

According to the AP, a Lebanese security official said Tuesday that the ministry plans to seek a ban on the movie based on the DC Comics hero, although that process has not yet begun.

At least one movie theater in Beirut plans to show an advance screening on Wednesday of "Wonder Woman," and ads for the film are present in the city.

The AP also noted that Lebanon is officially at war with Israel and has a law that mandates boycotts of Israeli products and “bars Lebanese citizens from traveling or having contacts with Israelis.”

Although the country has fewer restrictions on its citizens than some of the other countries in the region, Lebanon routinely censors entertainment “relating to Israel, religion and homosexuality.”

According to the AP, Gadot, a former Miss Israel, once served in the Israel Defense Forces. Two-year military service is compulsory for most Israeli citizens. A group supporting the ban, the Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel-Lebanon, criticized Gadot’s IDF service and praised Lebanon's Ministry of Economy for the decision.

And in a 2014 Facebook post, Gadot blasted the “horrific acts conducted by Hamas” during the Israel-Gaza conflict that year.

The Hollywood Reporter noted that Gadot has “earned acclaim” for “landing a rare leading role for a woman” in the highly anticipated film.