McDonald’s is buying its restaurants in Israel from a longtime franchisee, hoping to reset sales that have slumped due to boycotts in the region.

The Chicago-based burger giant said Friday it will buy Alonyal Limited, which owns and operates 225 restaurants in Israel. Financial terms weren’t disclosed. The deal is expected to close in the next few months.

McDonald’s said it would operate the restaurants and retain more than 5,000 employees.

Alonyal has operated McDonald’s in Israel for more than 30 years. In a statement Friday, Alonyal CEO Omri Padan said the chain is one of the country’s most successful.

But Alonyal also sparked controversy in October when it announced on social media that McDonald’s was providing free meals for Israeli soldiers.

— The Associated Press