McDonald's says it's buying back all its franchises in Israel: NPR

McDonald's' famous “golden arches” logo next to a giant Aroma-branded coffee cup in the Israeli Dead Sea resort of Ein Bokek.

Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images

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Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images

McDonald's' famous “golden arches” logo next to a giant Aroma-branded coffee cup in the Israeli Dead Sea resort of Ein Bokek.

Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images

The franchisee that owns and operates 225 McDonald's restaurants in Israel is now selling them back to the company, announced Thursday.

“For more than 30 years, Alonial Ltd. has been proud to bring the Golden Arches to Israel and serve our communities,” said Omri Badan, CEO of Alonial Ltd. “We have grown the brand into the leading and most successful restaurant chain in Israel and we are grateful to our management, employees, suppliers and customers who make this possible.”

There was a widespread boycott of the company after McDonald's Israel donated meals to the Israeli army. Other American brands, such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Starbucks, have also faced boycott campaigns, especially in Jordan, which has a majority Palestinian population.

McDonald's said Alonial Ltd.'s restaurants employ more than 5,000 employees who will be able to keep their jobs.

“We thank Alonial Ltd. for building the McDonald's business and brand in Israel over the past 30 years,” said Joe Semples, President of International Licensed Developmental Markets at McDonald's. “McDonald's remains committed to the Israeli market and to ensuring a positive experience for employees and customers in the market in the future.”