Israel has reached an agreement with FIFA and Qatar to allow direct charter flights from Ben Gurion Airport to Qatar for the World Cup, which begins on November 20.
Israel and Qatar do not have diplomatic relations, necessitating the agreement announced Thursday.
The charter flights will be run by a foreign airline and will be subject to Israel’s security measures. There was no immediate word on which airline would fly the route.
The Foreign Ministry will provide consular services through a private international travel company, according to FIFA.
Palestinians will also be able to fly out to the tournament.
“With this deal, Israelis and Palestinians will be able to fly together and enjoy soccer together,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
In the statement released by FIFA, a Qatari spokesperson for the tournament said the Gulf emirate has always been committed to letting “all ticket holders… attend matches in Qatar,” without using the words “Israelis” or “Israel.”
“The announcement today illustrates our commitment to respecting FIFA’s policies and hosting requirements including the right of everyone to attend matches,” the spokesperson said. “This also includes the requirement that Palestinian ticket holders and media are able to travel on these chartered flights with no restrictions as they have an equal right to enjoy the tournament, which is made extra special by it being the first World Cup to be hosted in the Arab and Muslim world.”
