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Five arrested over protests at Gal Gadot filming

Reuters Gal Gadot smiling and wearing designer shades arriving at the Academy Women's Luncheon at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on 10 December 2024Reuters
It is understood Gal Gadot is filming in London for action thriller film Runner

Five protesters have been arrested after they allegedly targeted the filming of Gal Gadot's new movie in central London.

Demonstrators have disrupted filming at various locations across London in recent weeks, the Metropolitan Police said.

The force said the film was targeted "solely because an actress involved in the production is Israeli".

The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel (Pacbi) has previously said Gadot films should be boycotted, claiming she has shown support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Gadot's agent has been approached for comment.

The 40-year-old actress, who has been vocal in her support of Israel, served in the Israel Defense Force for two years. The country requires most of its citizens to compulsorily serve in the military from the age of 18.

She is believed to currently be filming action thriller The Runner.

Police were deployed to a filming location in Westminster on Wednesday to identify suspects wanted in connection with offences at earlier protests and to deal with any new offences, Scotland Yard said.

Five people were arrested on suspicion of harassment and offences under Section 241 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act, which deals with wrongfully and unlawfully obstructing access to a workplace.

They remain in custody.

Two of the arrests relate to incidents at previous protests while three relate to alleged offences that took place on Wednesday, the force said.

Supt Neil Holyoak said: "While we absolutely acknowledge the importance of peaceful protest, we have a duty to 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.

"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."

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