Israeli Troops May Get Whoppers

Israel’s army may soon be marching on stomachs full of Whoppers.

Ranny Rahav, spokesman for Burger King in Israel, said the U.S. fast food giant is negotiating over rights to serve the soldiers with Shekem, a state-owned retailer that has a monopoly over canteens at Israeli army bases.

Unlike competitor McDonald’s, Burger King restaurants here do not offer cheeseburgers in order to conform to Jewish dietary laws - known as kashrut - that forbid the mixing of milk and meat.

That might have provided a crucial edge with the army, where kashrut is strictly observed and chicken has, to date, been king.

Rahav said the negotiations would conclude next week.