London police arrest five protesters attempting to disrupt production of Israeli actor Gal Gadot’s new film

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.

 

On May 28, 2025, five pro-Gaza protesters were arrested in London for attempting to disrupt the production of Gal Gadot’s new film, The Runner. The Metropolitan Police detained the demonstrators after they targeted film sets in Westminster, protesting Gadot’s Israeli nationality and her vocal support for Israel during the 2023 Gaza conflict. The protesters face charges including harassment and offenses under the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act, which prohibits interference with lawful trade union activities and workplace access .

Background of the Protests

The protests were organized by groups advocating for the Palestinian cause, including the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI). These groups have previously called for boycotts of Gadot’s work due to her public support for Israeli military actions following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths . Gadot, who served in the Israel Defense Forces, has defended her stance, emphasizing her humanitarian values and family history linked to the HolocaustThe Film: The Runner

The Runner is an upcoming action thriller directed by Kevin Macdonald and produced by Amazon MGM Studios. Gadot stars as a London-based attorney whose son is kidnapped, leading her into a high-stakes chase across the city. The film also features Damian Lewis and is currently in production in London

Police Response and Legal Implications

Superintendent Neil Holyoak of the Metropolitan Police emphasized the importance of balancing the right to peaceful protest with the need to prevent serious disruptions. He stated that the police have been in discussions with the production company to understand the impact of the protests and to ensure the safety and rights of those involved in the film’s production

Broader Context of Protests

The arrest of the five protesters is part of a larger pattern of demonstrations in London related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. In January 2025, over 70 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested during a protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza. These protests have been among the most significant in recent British history, with participants calling for an end to the conflict and highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza .

Conclusion

The arrests underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and the role of public figures like Gal Gadot in these debates. While authorities uphold the right to protest, they also take action against unlawful interference with professional activities. As The Runner continues production, it remains to be seen how these protests will impact the film’s reception and the broader discourse on the Israel-Palestine issue.