Leonardo DiCaprio slammed for backing eco-resort in Israel amid Gaza conflict: 'A climate hypocrite'

HERZLIYA, TEL AVIV: Leonardo DiCaprio is facing backlash over his investment in a luxury eco-resort in Israel, which recently received final construction approval.

The $270 million hotel project, located along Herzliya Marina near Tel Aviv, has drawn sharp criticism amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict and renewed scrutiny of the actor’s long-standing environmental advocacy.

Originally announced in 2018, the project is being developed by the Hagag Group in partnership with businessmen Ahikam and Lior Cohen. DiCaprio reportedly owns a 10 percent stake.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Israel resort clears final hurdle despite backlash

The Tel Aviv District Planning and Building Committee gave final approval on Sunday, July 27, allowing the resort project to move forward after years of delays.

Set to feature 365 hotel rooms, a yacht-accessible marina, fine dining, and a conference center, the upscale resort will span 12.6 acres—five times its original size. An additional two acres underground will accommodate hotel operations and parking.

Despite mounting criticism over the project’s timing and location, developers have defended the initiative as environmentally conscious. They claim the luxury hotel will comply with the US Green Building Council’s LEED standards, which emphasize sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, water conservation, responsible site selection, and the use of eco-friendly materials.

In a 2018 statement, DiCaprio described the development as a resort that would “work in partnership with nature.” However, the actor has remained silent since the project received final approval.

Backlash grows over Leonardo DiCaprio’s eco-resort amid Gaza conflict and climate hypocrisy claims

Online platforms have seen a flood of criticism aimed directly at Leonardo DiCaprio and the perceived contradiction between his public climate advocacy and private investments.

“You mean a Climate Hypocrite,” a user wrote on X.

“You mean a Climate Hypocrite,” a user wrote on X. Another commenter added, “@LeoDiCaprio climate activism feels hollow when it’s paired with a luxury yacht dock for the elite. Championing green causes while pushing opulent projects reeks of hypocrisy, typical of WEF insiders who preach one thing and live another.”

A third response echoed the sentiment, stating, “You mean a Hypocrite.. The sad thing is I don’t even think they’re hypocrites. We all know that they lie and they know we know they lie. They just think they’re better than people and want those people to live like bigots, so they help push narratives with regulation that follows.”

The criticism extended into sarcasm as well, with another user writing, “Climate activist... for hire"... Need to get that yacht and hotel investment money from somewhere...”

Beyond environmental inconsistencies, some users are outraged about the resort's location. With Israel’s military actions in Gaza and increasing humanitarian concerns, many have accused DiCaprio of turning a blind eye to broader ethical issues.

“Palestinian occupied territories where this hotel will be. Shame!” one person wrote.

Another user added: “Luxury hotels will be built on a foundation of Palestinian corpses.”

Leonardo DiCaprio’s environmental image under scrutiny

The controversy has intensified scrutiny of Leonardo DiCaprio’s environmental credentials. In 2016, the actor used his Best Actor Oscar speech to urge action against climate change, calling it “the most urgent threat facing our entire species.”

“Support leaders around the world who do not speak for the big polluters or the big corporations, but who speak for all of humanity,” he said in the widely praised speech.

Through his foundation Re:wild, DiCaprio has donated over $200 million to environmental causes globally. 

As of now, he has not commented on the project’s final approval. His team has also not responded to media requests for statements.

Meanwhile, DiCaprio recently listed a Malibu beachfront home for $23 million, $10 million more than what he paid in 2021, adding further scrutiny to his real estate dealings amid the ongoing public debate.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online