The 2022 FIFA World Cup has begun in the Persian Gulf state of Qatar, which does not have diplomatic ties with Israel (it doesn’t officially “recognize” the Jewish state), but has allowed Israelis to attend.

But there is concern that Israelis might become the target of violence in the ultra-conservative Muslim state, particularly given its close relations to the Palestinian terror group Hamas.

Qatar is likewise cozy with Iran, Israel’s arch-nemesis in the region, and there will of course be thousands of Iranians attending the World Cup, as well.

The situation would appear to be something of a powder keg.

With that in mind, senior Israeli diplomat Lior Haiat issued the following warning to Israeli traveling to Qatar:

“The Iranian team will be in the World Cup and we estimate that tens of thousands of fans will follow it, and there will be other fans from Gulf countries with whom we don’t have a diplomatic relationship.

“Downplay your Israeli presence and Israeli identity for the sake of your personal security.”

According to local media reports, some 12,000 Israelis (4,000 Jews and 8,000 Arabs) obtained visas to enter Qatar and attend the World Cup. It is estimated that an additional 8,000 Israeli Jews who are dual citizens will use their foreign passports to attend.