McDonald’s to buy Israeli franchise operator that sparked global boycott

McDonald’s is buying the franchise that sparked global boycotts by offering free meals to Israeli forces shortly after the start of the Israel-Gaza war, taking ownership of its 225 stores.

Alonyal, a McDonald’s franchise operating in Israel that is owned by Omri Padan, began offering free meals to troops early in the war, a move the U.S.-based umbrella company said was independent of the wider brand. Franchises in Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, and across the Persian Gulf, also released statements distancing themselves from Alonyal’s deal.