Israel is promoting what officials describe as the largest LGBTQ+ festival ever held in the Middle East, scheduled for June 1–4 near the Dead Sea. The Israeli Foreign Ministry’s official X account announced that the area will become “Pride Land,” featuring four days of nonstop celebration, entertainment, and community events. Organizers say the desert region will be transformed into a temporary 24-hour city with hotels, beach access, and a large performance arena.

According to reports, the event will include appearances by prominent Israeli performers, family activity zones for children, and workshops designed for families. Producer Aaron Cohen said the scale of the festival is unprecedented for the region. The announcement quickly drew strong reactions online, with critics pointing out the location’s traditional association with the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, making the symbolism especially controversial to many observers.

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