Gal Gadot and the spin doctors

Is it appropriate that ‘Wonder Woman’ is a willing participant in Israeli state propaganda?

Gal Gadot in a scene from "Wonder Woman." Clay Enos/Warner Bros. Entertainment via AP

Israel operates an advanced and well-funded public relations machine that regularly obscures the reality of the country’s relationships with Palestinians. On the eve of the 50th anniversary of Israel’s takeover of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, Tel Aviv has gone into overdrive in defence of its occupation over Palestinian life. One critical component of this PR strategy, however, is largely misunderstood and often ignored.

Back in the 1950s, Israeli authorities realised that art could be used in the defence of its aggressive behaviour towards Palestinians. From Leonard Cohen to Barbra Streisand, celebrities would rally in its defence, hold important gala events and raise large amounts of money in support of its military.

As the country developed and its cultural industry expanded, the government sought to employ home-grown talent as cultural ambassadors who would push government talking points around the world. Idan Raichel, a famous Israeli singer and songwriter who has found considerable fame in Europe and the United States, often performs on behalf of Israeli ambassadors and uses his media attention to defend Tel Aviv’s actions and rally against Palestinians. In 2005, when various sectors of Palestinian civil society organised a global call for boycott, divestment and sanctions, many Israeli artists were targeted. These artists were not targeted simply for the fact that there were Israeli or had served in the military. Rather, artists were selected because of their partnerships with official government institutions and their public work on behalf of the Israeli government.

This issue is again raising its head with calls in Lebanon to ban the new Wonder Woman film, starring the Israeli actress Gal Gadot. While the Lebanese have slapped bans on films before, this particular case hinges on the public advocacy work that Gadot does on behalf of the Israeli government and military. Banning art is always a dangerous act. However, when an artist becomes a willing partner in state propaganda, the discussion should move away from the art in question and fix on the artist’s true political aims.