CAIRO: An Israeli newspaper said that the Israeli government has rejected recently two proposals from Qatar to restore diplomatic relations and let Israel reopen an office in the country's capital, Doha. Qatar and Israel have a recent history of cooperation and the small Gulf Kingdom had believed diplomatic relations would continue their amiable relationship. According to a Ha'aretz report last week, which quoted a senior source in Jerusalem as saying that in return for renewed diplomatic relations, the Qataris demanded that they be allowed to carry out a series of reconstruction projects in the Gaza Strip and to import the necessary construction materials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman were unwilling to agree to this, the official reportedly said. The source told the newspaper that the American Administration also expressed their opposition to the proposal with Qatar. The refusal also comes as Israel continues to maintain there is no partner for peace in the region, despite Qatar's request and Libya receiving two members of the Knesset in late April on an unofficial visit. Qatar suspended its ties with Israel during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza in December 2008, during a summit it hosted with the participation of Iran and the leaders of Hamas. In January 2009, Qatar asked the head of Israel's office in Doha, Ro'i Rozenblit, to leave the country. Six months ago, however, the Qataris began relaying a series of messages to Israel – through covert channels and the United States and France in order to restore diplomatic relations. The Qatar government even held direct talks with Israeli diplomats. The messages included a proposal to resume diplomatic ties and reopen Israel's office in Doha. In return, Qatar sought to assume responsibility for rebuilding Gaza. It also asked Israel to make a public statement expressing appreciation for the emirate's role and acknowledging its standing in the Middle East. Israel refused. BM
