By Denny Jacob
McDonald’s agreed to buy Alonyal, which owns and operates the burger chain’s restaurants in Israel.
The Oak Brook, Ill.-based company said it will own Alonyal’s restaurants and operations and that employees will be retained on equivalent terms. Alonyal grew its presence to 225 restaurants since bringing McDonald’s brand to Israel more than 30 years ago.
“McDonald’s remains committed to the Israeli market and to ensuring a positive employee and customer experience in the market going forward,” said Jo Sempels, president of international developmental licensed markets at McDonald’s.
McDonald’s is among the numerous restaurant companies that have been drawn into the Israel-Hamas war.
In October, McDonald’s Israel business run by a local franchisee said on social media that it was providing free meals to Israeli soldiers. Other McDonald’s franchisees in the Middle East said they would donate to relief efforts in Gaza. Those moves drew angry criticism online, with some critics pushing boycotts of McDonald’s.
Write to Denny Jacob at denny.jacob@wsj.com