Orange to cut ties with Israel?

Orange to cut ties with Israel?

by FalastinNews Staff

French telecom giant Orange would end its relationship with the Israeli operator Partner Communications "tomorrow" if it were possible, but has not yet made the decision due to the "huge risk" of penalties involved, Orange's chief executive officer Stephane Richard said Wednesday.

In an official statement issued Thursday, Orange said that its carrier whose primary objective is to protect and enhance the strength of its brand in all the markets where it operates.

"It does not intend to take part, in any manner whatsoever, in a political debate," the official statement read.

Partner said in response that it regrets Richard's comments which "came under pro-Palestinian pressures", according to him.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also called on the French government to publicly denounce the mobile carrier Orange over its decision to cut ties with its Israeli franchisee.

“I call on the French government to publicly denounce the despicable statement and actions of a company that is under partial French government ownership,” Netanyahu said. “At the same time, I urge our close friends to loudly proclaim that they are opposed to any kind of boycott against the Jewish state."