Five anti-Israel protesters were arrested Wednesday for disrupting the filming of Gal Gadot’s new movie “solely because an actress involved in the production is Israeli,” according to London police.
The five, who have not yet been identified, included three who targeted the set of Gadot’s upcoming film “The Runner” in Westminster, close to Big Ben and Parliament, on Wednesday, London’s Metropolitan Police said.
Two others were arrested and charged for previous chaos on the set. All five were charged with harassment and obstructing access to a workplace.
“In recent weeks, protesters have disrupted filming at various locations across London,” the Met police said.
“They have done so solely because an actress involved in the production is Israeli.”
All five were charged them with harassment and obstructing access to a workplace.
Gadot, 40, has been supportive of Israel since war erupted with Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, which has led to death threats.
The actress revealed earlier this year she was “shocked by the amount of hate” she received after speaking out after the surprise Hamas attack, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed.
Before accepting her star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in March, Gadot’s ceremony was interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, who held up signs reading, “Heros Fight Like Palestinians,” “Viva Viva Palestina” and “No Other Land Won Oscar.”
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel has previously called for the boycott of Gadot’s films for supporting Israel in its campaign in Gaza, the BBC reported.
Superintendent Neil Holyoak, who oversaw Wednesday’s arrests, said while authorities acknowledge the right to peaceful protests they must “intervene where it crosses the line into serious disruption or criminality.
“We have been in discussions with the production company to understand the impact of the protests on their work and on any individuals involved,” Holyoak said.
“I hope today’s operation shows we will not tolerate the harassment of or unlawful interference with those trying to go about their legitimate professional work in London,” he added.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
