Israel confirms talks to open temporary office in Qatar for World Cup

Israel and Qatar, which haven’t any diplomatic relations, have mentioned opening a brief Israeli workplace within the Gulf state in the course of the World Cup, an Israeli official advised AFP Wednesday.

Israel has not certified for the match, which begins in November, however has introduced a deal that may enable its residents, like different foreigners, to acquire a Qatari entry visa with proof of ticket buy.

“There was contact between Israeli and Qatari officers,” an Israeli diplomatic official mentioned, confirming the discussions had centered on opening a “short-term” workplace for Israeli followers attending the World Cup.

“They shouldn’t be categorised as diplomatic talks. As of now, no settlement has been reached,” added the official, who requested anonymity.

Qatar doesn’t acknowledge Israel and helps Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist terror group that controls Gaza and has fought 4 wars with Israel since 2008.

Israel, which together with Egypt maintains a blockade on Gaza aimed toward stopping Hamas from smuggling in weapons, engages with Doha to grant permissions for the distribution of Qatari support within the Palestinian coastal enclave, however particulars on such contacts are hardly ever publicly confirmed.

Israel has since September 2020 normalized relations with three Arab nations — the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco.

These agreements, sponsored by then-US president Donald Trump, broke with many years of Arab consensus that ties ought to solely be established with Israel within the occasion of a peace settlement that offers the Palestinians their very own state.

Qatar has been important of the US-brokered agreements referred to as the Abraham Accords.

Tensions between Israel and Qatar surged following the Might killing of Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh whereas she was overlaying a military raid within the occupied West Financial institution.

The Doha-based community and the Qatari state each accused Israeli of intentionally focusing on Abu Akleh.

The Israeli military has conceded that considered one of its troops had doubtless shot her, however mentioned it was an accident.

You are a devoted reader

We’re actually happy that you simply’ve learn X Occasions of Israel articles previously month.

That’s why we began the Occasions of Israel ten years in the past – to offer discerning readers such as you with must-read protection of Israel and the Jewish world.

So now we have now a request. In contrast to different information retailers, we haven’t put up a paywall. However because the journalism we do is expensive, we invite readers for whom The Occasions of Israel has turn out to be vital to assist help our work by becoming a member of The Occasions of Israel Neighborhood.

For as little as $6 a month you may assist help our high quality journalism whereas having fun with The Occasions of Israel AD-FREE, in addition to accessing unique content material accessible solely to Occasions of Israel Neighborhood members.

Thanks,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Occasions of Israel

Be part of Our Neighborhood

Be part of Our Neighborhood

Already a member? Check in to cease seeing this