‘Israeli flag’ Pepsi logo causes uproar in Lebanon – media

A formal complaint has reportedly been filed against the PepsiCo bottler in Lebanon over a new design reminiscent of the Israeli flag, according to local media, with many calling for a boycott of the brand in the country.

The Lebanese Modern Company for Trade (LMCT) recently rolled out a blue-and-white cap for its glass bottles, featuring two stripes around the name, Beirut-based outlet L’Orient Today reported. The new logo triggered a “nationwide campaign” against the company, it said.

According to the publication, Lebanese lawyer Ziad Jaafil filed a complaint with the Beirut Public Prosecution Office last week, requesting that the bottler stop the use of the logo “due to its similarity in colors and layout to the Israeli flag.”

The lawyer reportedly accused the Lebanese bottler of “inciting strife” and “violations of the boycott laws” against Israel.

The filing of the complaint was confirmed by a prominent imam in Beirut, Hassan Moraib, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). According to the cleric, the document demands that the LMCT immediately withdraw its products from the market.