Leonardo DiCaprio is part of an investment group that recently secured final approval to build a luxury hotel near Tel Aviv, Israel. The actor holds a 10% stake in the project, which is co-owned by The Harag Group and brothers Ahikam and Lior Cohen, and aims to create a notable beachfront resort at Herzliya Marina.
Project Details and Environmental Commitments
The eco-certified hotel will rise 14 floors high and house 365 rooms, representing a significant expansion from the original 2018 proposal of 10,000 square meters to the now approved 51,000 square meters. DiCaprio, recognized for his environmental activism, has taken a leadership role in ensuring the project meets sustainability standards, including compliance with the US Green Building Council and LEED certification.
Green environmental development is a significant part of building communities that work in partnership with nature and not against it,
DiCaprio said when announcing the project.
As we seek to create a future that heads off the most severe effects of climate change, we need projects that push for new developments in environmental design.
—Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor and Environmentalist
Criticism Arises Over DiCaprio’s Silence on Gaza Conflict
Despite the hotel’s environmental aims, the investment has drawn criticism for its timing amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Critics have questioned how DiCaprio’s financial involvement reconciles with his role as a United Nations Messenger for Peace. The Gaza crisis, which UN Secretary-General António Guterres described in July 2024 as a humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions and
a moral stain on us all,
has seen limited public commentary from DiCaprio, prompting calls for a response.
Far Out Magazine and others have noted this silence, underscoring a growing unease about the alignment between DiCaprio’s public peace advocacy and his business decisions in the region.
What the Future Holds for the Hotel and DiCaprio’s Response
As the development moves forward, its impact will likely extend beyond tourism and environmental benchmarks, touching on broader debates about celebrity responsibility in geopolitical crises. For now, Leonardo DiCaprio has not addressed the recent criticisms or elaborated on his position regarding the conflict in Gaza. Observers will be watching closely for any statements that may clarify his stance while the resort project progresses.
