Sources denied to Al Arabi Al Jadid that there was any direct contact between Qatar and Israel over the latter’s request to open a temporary consulate in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup to help Israelis who would travel to watch matches in the tournament, noting that “The Israelis were in talks with FIFA trying to convince Doha to open a consulate during the World Cup so that it would be closed at the end of the event, but Doha refused this request.

Ha’aretz quoted a senior Israeli official that “Israel and Qatar have been in talks in recent weeks to open a temporary Israeli consulate operating during the World Cup period,” noting that “the purpose of the consulate is to help Israelis who will travel to Qatar in case they experience “complications” while there, such as losing their passport or being arrested for investigation or medical treatment.”

The Israeli channel Kan also indicated that Qatar was cold about Israel’s request, and that negotiations on the issue were still ongoing but had not resulted in an agreement.