McDonald's Buys Out Israeli Franchisee to Revive Sales Amid Regional Boycotts

• McDonald's is buying its 225 Israeli restaurants from longtime franchisee Alonyal Ltd. to reset sales that have slumped due to regional boycotts

• The deal is expected to close in the next few months; McDonald's will operate the restaurants and retain over 5,000 employees

• Alonyal sparked controversy by announcing free meals for Israeli soldiers, triggering boycotts in Muslim-majority countries

• McDonald's CEO said sales have been impacted in countries with large Muslim populations like France

• McDonald's remains committed to the Israeli market despite the human tragedy of the conflict impacting brands