Big news for sports fans:
Israelis will be able to enter Qatar and watch the World Cup, it was announced today (Thursday) in a joint statement by Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Defense Minister Bnei Gantz and Culture and Sports Minister Hili Trooper.
The agreement, the crystallization of which was first published in "Israel Today", was reached with FIFA after several months of diplomatic work.
It should be noted that a country that hosts an international tournament on the scale of the World Cup usually undertakes in advance to allow entry to citizens of all countries of the world, regardless of political disputes.
However, there is no visible diplomatic relationship between Qatar and Israel, and Israelis cannot enter the country freely.
It is now possible to travel with an Israeli passport at the airport in Doha as part of a connection to another destination, but it is not possible to visit Qatar itself.
As tens of thousands of Israelis have already bought tickets to the world football record event, the head of the National Security Council considered advising Israeli citizens not to fly to Qatar in light of the danger involved in staying in the country. Over 25,000 Israeli fans are expected to attend the event.
After purchasing a ticket for the game, in order to obtain an entry visa, a fan card (Fan ID) must be opened online.
Approval of the application will constitute an entry visa to Qatar and will allow booking of accommodation on the website designated on the network.
Coordinations are ongoing, to allow flights to the World Cup games to arrive.
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid:
"Today we bring another political achievement that fills the hearts of the fans. The love of football and sports connects people, between countries and the World Cup in November opens a gate for new warm relations. I congratulate all the partners and wait for the competition to open."
Defense Minister Bnei Gantz:
"I congratulate the coordination achieved, for the sake of sports fans in Israel and congratulate the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Culture, and their officials who work on the issue together with the Football Association. Qatar is an internationally important country that also contributes to stability in our region. The Israelis in the country will strengthen the acquaintance between the citizens of the two countries. "
Minister of Culture and Sports, Hili Trooper:
"Sports have the power to cross continents and connect peoples and countries. I am happy about the important political and sporting news that will also allow Israeli fans to participate in the biggest football celebration in the world. Many Israelis love sports today. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Bnei Gantz, as well as the Football Association for the leadership and partnership in formulating the important agreement. "
Oren Hasson, chairman of the Football Association:
"The combination of forces between the Football Association and the foreign, defense and sports ministers ensured the arrival of Israeli football fans for the World Cup celebration.
We acted on the issue directly with the heads of FIFA and the desired result was achieved. "
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