McDonald’s refuses to open West Bank location

McDonald’s decided to take a stance against Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

McDonald’s Israel refused a request to open a branch in the city of Ariel in the West Bank, and angry residents are threatening a boycott of the company.

Ariel residents expected the burger chain would open a new branch in the city's commercial center that was opened by Rami Levi, but McDonald’s Israel said that it is standing by a longstanding policy of not opening branches the West Bank.

Ariel Mayor Eli Shviro was surprised by McDonald’s Israel's refusal and said he immediately brought the matter to the attention of Rami Levi CEO Rami Levy. "If this is the case, their decision is bad. It discriminates. 

We are allowed to live like everyone else in the country, and this is out of place," Shviro said. "I believe that other large companies will open branch locations in Ariel," Shviro added.

Rami Levi, said other Israeli companies have refused to open locations in the new mall. "They are making a big mistake," he said.

The Israeli franchise of McDonald’s Corporation is owned by Omri Padan, the founder of Peace Now.

McDonald’s Israel said in response: "This has always been the policy of Dr. Omri Padan."