Fans from This Country Watching the World Cup in Qatar While Hiding Their Nationality

Qatar and Israel, Without Diplomatic Ties, Open Airspace During World Cup
About 180 Israeli Fans Arrive in Doha... Interest in Whether It Will Serve as a Foundation for Improving Middle East Relations

On the 20th (local time), a man at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, is holding a cake made to celebrate the first direct flight between Israel and Qatar. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Football fans holding Israeli nationality, which has no official diplomatic relations with Qatar, have embarked on an away support mission for the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup. This was made possible by a temporary agreement to open airspace between the two countries during the World Cup period. Some expect that this tournament, held for the first time in the Middle East, could bring changes to relations across the entire Middle East beyond just the two countries.

According to major foreign media, on the 20th (local time), about 180 Israeli nationals arrived at Hamad Airport in Doha, Qatar, on a direct flight from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel. Although their country failed to qualify for the World Cup finals, they came to watch and cheer for other countries' football matches.

Israeli Fans, Despite Failing to Qualify, Watch Other Countries' Matches

This flight attracted attention as the first direct flight opening the air route between the two countries. Qatar, an Islamic country, does not have official diplomatic relations with Israel, a Jewish state. Instead, it is a representative country actively supporting Palestine, which is at the center of conflict with Israel. Qatar has consistently expressed negative views on establishing diplomatic ties with Israel and demands the establishment of a Palestinian state as a condition for normalizing diplomatic relations.

Given this situation, it seemed unlikely that Israelis would be seen during the Qatar World Cup, as Qatar generally does not allow Israeli nationals to visit locally.

However, this World Cup was different. Through consultations between FIFA and the Israeli government, it became possible for Israelis to travel to Qatar for the first time in history. According to the Israeli daily The Jerusalem Post in June, the Israeli Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Sports jointly announced in a press conference, "After consultations with FIFA, it was decided to allow entry into Qatar for those who purchased World Cup tickets," adding, "The World Cup football tournament held in November has opened doors for us."

Furthermore, a temporary direct flight from Israel to Qatar was recently arranged. On the 11th, FIFA announced on its website, "During this World Cup period, charter direct flights will operate between Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Hamad Airport in Doha, Qatar." This was the result of FIFA concluding discussions on tournament operation plans with Israeli government officials.

Consular services for Israeli nationals are provided by a private international travel agency in Doha in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Palestinians can also use the direct flights and receive consular services at the Palestinian consulate in Doha, FIFA added.

Some view these changes as a stepping stone to improving relations in the Middle East region. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, "I thank everyone who helped Israeli and Palestinian football fans watch matches during the World Cup," and added, "I hope the World Cup can improve relations across the Middle East through the unifying power of football." The U.S. State Department, upon hearing the news, also praised it as "a great agreement for the exchange of human and material capital between the two countries."

On the 20th (local time), football fans of Palestinian nationality gathered in a gymnasium in the Gaza Strip to watch the opening match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the Group A first match between Qatar and Ecuador. Photo by AP Yonhap News

However, anti-Israel sentiment still seems to be detected in Qatar, especially among Arab countries. Khaled Al Omari from Saudi Arabia told foreign media, "Normalization of relations with Israel is the will of the political authorities, but most citizens do not agree," and added, "I hope the direct flight route between Israel and Qatar does not become permanent." Saudi Arabia, like Qatar, is one of the countries that has not established diplomatic relations with Israel.

Anti-Israel Sentiment Persists in Qatar

Arabs who avoid Israeli media covering the World Cup site have also been spotted. According to foreign media, Israeli public broadcasters such as Kan and Channel 12 attempted interviews with football fans in Arab regions like Qatar and Saudi Arabia but were mostly rejected. Football fans from Palestine protested by shouting "Go home" at these reporters.

The Israeli government is concerned that such situations could escalate into diplomatic conflicts. According to local media Times of Israel, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently urged in an advertising campaign to "avoid drinking alcohol or getting into disputes with locals" by detailing Qatar's strict laws. Lior Chaiat, Director of the National Public Diplomacy Department, also advised Israeli nationals heading to Qatar, "For your personal safety, do not publicly reveal your nationality while staying in Doha."