Ethics Newsline®

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates
Arab leaders last week threatened a boycott of Walt Disney Co. products throughout the Arab and Islamic world unless an Arab committee is allowed to inspect an upcoming Disney display on Jerusalem.

The dispute centers on Israel’s display in Disney’s Millennium Village, a 35-nation exhibit opening at the Orlando theme park in October, the Associated Press reported.

Arab leaders are infuriated by rumors that Israel’s display features Jerusalem as the Jewish state’s capital. Israel seized the holy city of East Jerusalem from Arab control in 1967.

Disney spokesman Bill Warren says that the political controversy is unwarranted, but will not comment on the contents of the exhibit.

“To rollout the details now would undermine the promotional opportunities” and violate Disney’s contractual obligations, Warren said.

The threatened Arab boycott could cost Disney up to $100 million, according to the AP.