Reuters: McDonald’s Provides Free Meals for Israeli Soldiers, Leaving Franchises Divided

In a now-private Instagram post from McDonald’s Israel, the franchise posted that it has given thousands of free meals to Israel Defense Forces personnel. According to Reuters, McDonald’s Israel stated that it donated “to all those who are involved in the defence [sic] of the state, hospitals, and surrounding areas.”

While McDonald’s is a global chain, the franchise locations are owned locally and operated independently. Franchisees were eager to clarify this distinction following McDonald’s Israel’s actions.

"In regard to the news that McDonald's in Israel was donating meals, we affirm that it was an individual decision on their part," McDonald's franchise in Saudi Arabia said in a statement. "Neither global McDonald's nor us nor any other country had a role or relationship with that decision, neither directly nor indirectly.”

Franchisees in Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates issued statements dissociating themselves from the Israeli franchise as well. Many of these franchisees also showed support for sending aid to Gaza.