United States Summons Malaysian Ambassador Following Disputes Over Israel Policy

Malaysia maintains a long-standing policy of non-recognition regarding Israel, rooted in its support for the Palestinian cause.

Published On 24 Jul 202624 Jul 2026

The U.S. Department of State has summoned Malaysia’s ambassador to the United States to discuss the nation’s enduring diplomatic stance concerning Israel, according to reports from the state news agency Bernama.

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stated on Thursday night that Ambassador Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob informed the U.S. State Department that Malaysia’s refusal to recognize the State of Israel is a deeply established national policy.

“This has always been Malaysia’s position. Our immigration policies do not recognize the State of Israel or the Zionist regime,” Hasan was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Addressing a recent incident, Hasan noted, “An individual with dual US and Israeli citizenship entered Malaysia using a US passport. Upon discovering his Israeli citizenship through subsequent checks, we required him to leave the country.”

Malaysia currently lacks diplomatic relations with Israel, consistently emphasizing its solidarity with the Palestinian people and its opposition to Israeli military actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The diplomatic friction was exacerbated by controversy surrounding the “Network School,” a digital nomad community founded in Malaysia by US investor Balaji Srinivasan. The community faced scrutiny after social media users alleged that Israeli citizens were participating in the program.

While Malaysian authorities confirmed that all participants held valid travel documentation following an investigation, the school was ordered to shut down on Tuesday.

The situation escalated when eight members of the US Congress sent a formal letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressing strong opposition to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s proposal to identify and immediately deport Israeli citizens from Malaysia.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s intent to bar Israeli nationals from entering the country, despite the objections raised by US lawmakers.

According to Bernama, Anwar stated that Malaysia remains committed to defending Palestinian rights and opposing the “oppression, aggression, and continued killing” of Palestinians in Gaza.

“That will not deter us. Regardless of any threats, I will firmly defend the rights of the Malaysian people and uphold the government’s decision to prohibit the entry of any Israeli national into Malaysia,” Anwar asserted.

In response, the US congressmen have urged the State Department to review economic and security partnerships with Kuala Lumpur. They specifically called for the termination of funding for the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program—which provides professional training for the Malaysian military—unless Malaysia reverses its policy within 15 days.

Source link