McDonald’s has announced its decision to acquire ownership of its branches in Israel, thrusting the franchise company Alonyal and its chief executive Omri Padan into the spotlight. This move comes after global sales declined due to a boycott of the brand over perceived support for Israel during its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The fast-food giant, known for its franchise system, faced criticism when Mr. Padan offered free meals to Israeli forces at the onset of the Israel-Gaza war on October 7th. This gesture sparked a boycott from Muslim-majority countries such as Kuwait, Malaysia, and Pakistan, leading to a significant drop in sales.
Mr. Padan’s involvement in controversial decisions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not new. In 2013, he declined to open a McDonald’s branch in the settlement of Ariel in the occupied West Bank, citing the company’s policy of staying out of occupied territories. This decision drew ire from Israel’s settler movement.
Despite protests and objections from settlement leaders, McDonald’s secured a tender to operate a restaurant at Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport in 2019. However, the recent downturn in sales prompted McDonald’s to reevaluate its presence in Israel, leading to the decision to buy back its franchises from Alonyal.
While the terms of the deal remain undisclosed, experts speculate that Mr. Padan’s departure may result in substantial financial gains for him. However, the move has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing satisfaction at the impact of the boycott while others question the efficacy of McDonald’s response.
McDonald’s has reaffirmed its commitment to the Israeli market and ensuring a positive experience for employees and customers.
-BBC-
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