Zara faces boycott in Israel after hosting a far-right leader

Spanish fashion giant Zara has found itself embroiled in a controversy in Israel after a local franchise owner hosted a far-right leader.

Reportedly,Joey Schwebel, chairman of Trimera Brands, Zara's Israel franchisee hostedItamar Ben-Gvir, a leader of theIsraeli far-right Otzma Yehudit party.

According to local media reports, some Israelis, angered at the company for givingBen-Gvir a platform burned Zara apparel and demanded that the company condemn the action of its local franchise.

Ben-Gvir's spokesman said the reported meeting was a 'private event' and declined to comment further.

Meanwhile,Fayez Abu Souhaiban, mayor of Arab-majority town Rahat slammed the company and gave the call for the burning of the clothes.

"We have to burn these clothes and I call on fellow citizens to boycott this company," saidSouhaiban in a video that has been heavily circulated on social media.

When quizzed about what he thought about the boycott calls after his appearance,Ben-Gvir said, "That's the real face of the left."

Zara, meanwhile has refused to comment on the issue right now.

Notably,Ben-Gvir's party is running in Israel's legislative elections scheduled to take place next month. According to various surveys, his nationalist alliance is expected to emerge as the third-largest bloc in the parliament.

(With inputs from agencies)

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