Lebanese fashion designer posts photo of Gal Gadot in gown, sparks controversy

Elie Saab's official Instagram page came under fire on Wednesday after a photo of Israeli actress Gal Gadot was posted on it. 

The image features Gadot wearing one of the designer's creations and was captioned:

"A flawless Gal Gadot in Elie Saab Ready-to-Wear Spring Summer 2018 at the national board of review annual gala in New York."

Soon after it started making the rounds online, the post sparked controversy, with many criticizing Saab's social media management team for praising Gadot, a woman who had previously served as a soldier in the Israeli army. 

Amid the intense online backlash, the post was taken down and can no longer be found on the Lebanese designer's Instagram page. 

Here's how the entire incident played out online:

"I've always loved and respected Eie Saab, but is he that happy with the fact that an Israeli actress wore one of his designs?" 

"Elie Saab's Instagram page removed the photo of the Israeli actress minutes after it was posted."

Last year, Wonder Woman, a film starring Gadot as its lead, was banned in Lebanon after BDS activists in the country campaigned against its release. 

The main reason behind the ban was the fact that the Israeli actress, who not only served in the occupying state's military but also praised its actions, starred in the film. 

During the 2014 Gaza War, which saw Israeli forces kill more than 2,100 Palestinians in the coastal enclave in less than two months, Gadot voiced her support of the Israeli military forces in a statement she posted on Facebook. 

"I am sending my love and prayers to my fellow Israeli citizens. Especially to all the boys and girls who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas," she wrote. 

During promotions for Wonder Woman, the actress also boasted about how her own military training helped train her for the role she played in it. 

At the time, the ban of Gadot's film caused quite the stir in Lebanon as people's opinions were divided over it. 

While many spoke out against the ban, others hailed it as a victory, condemning the normalization of ties with Israel and refusing to allow a supporter of oppression to hit big screens in Lebanon.

The film was also banned in several other Arab countries including Qatar and Tunisia.