Israel’s counter-terror bureau may warn Israelis against traveling to Qatar for the World Cup in November, Hebrew language media report.
Israel already recommends against all non-essential travel to Qatar, a Gulf state where Iran continues to wield considerable influence, but has not raised its warning level from 3 to 4, the highest grade.
Almost 15,000 Israelis have already purchased tickets for the 2022 World Cup, set for November due to Qatar’s blazing summers, Israel Hayom reports. Agencies predict some 25,000 to 30,000 Israelis may travel there for the soccer tourney, but Israeli officials fear they could become easy targets for Iran or its proxies.
A view of the fence around the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center where the soccer World Cup draw will be held, in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday, March 31, 2022. The final draw will be held on April 1. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
Nitzan Uriel, a former head of the counter-terror bureau, which issues travel warnings, tells Channel 12 news that it’s too early to issue warnings for the Mondial.
“I don’t think they can give a warning that will be relevant for the Mondial in November,” he says, suggesting that they issue a warning closer to the event and agree to reimburse those who already bought tickets.
He adds that with the exception of the 1972 Olympics, large international sports tournaments are not normally prime terror targets. “There are too many interests who want it to pass calmly and peacefully,” Uriel says.
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