DiCaprio Tel Aviv investment moved forward this week when Israeli authorities gave final approval to a $10 million stake the Hollywood star holds in a planned waterfront hotel.
Construction is now cleared to begin in the heart of the city.
Leonardo DiCaprio first joined the project in 2018, but Tuesday’s green light comes after 21 months of war in Gaza.
The war has killed an estimated 60,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly two million.
The timing has drawn sharp criticism from activists and fans who say any new venture in Israel helps normalise a government.
Which accused by UN officials of pushing Gaza to the brink of famine.
DiCaprio Tel Aviv investment: backlash grows as conflict grinds on
Opponents note that the Titanic star has faced pressure before over ties to Israel; he met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a 2014 business event.
His continued backing of the hotel adds him to a widening list of celebrities under scrutiny for financial links to the country while its forces remain active in Gaza.
Supporters of the project argue that tourism promotes dialogue and long term stability.
Critics counter that a high end development so close to an ongoing conflict sends the wrong message and could haunt the actor’s environmental and humanitarian brand.
Project partners have not commented on whether the war will affect timelines or design.
For now, the permit stands, and groundbreaking is expected later this year.
keeping the DiCaprio Tel Aviv investment in the spotlight as the regional crisis shows no sign of easing.
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