Orange CEO Richard in Israel for 2 days

French telecom group Orange says its boss Stephane Richard is heading to Israel for a two-day visit after his plans to review ties with a local firm sparked a boycott row.

Richard accepted an invitation from Israel to “clarify the misunderstanding” after he said last week in Cairo that Orange was going to withdraw its brand from the Jewish state.

His comments were seen as a reaction to a report accusing Orange of indirectly supporting settlement activity on territory the Palestinians say is occupied, through its relationship with Israel’s Partner Communications.

Israel reacted furiously, accusing him of bowing to a Palestinian-led boycott campaign.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the campaign to snub Israeli goods was aimed at the “elimination” of the Jewish state.

Richard quickly tried to limit the damage, insisting there was no political motivation and telling AFP at the weekend that he “sincerely regrets” the furor.

— AFP