US summons Malaysia envoy over Israel policy | Politics News
Malaysia’s Diplomatic Stance on Israel Draws U.S. Attention
Published on July 24, 2026
The U.S. Department of State has summoned Malaysia’s ambassador to the United States amid ongoing tensions regarding Malaysia’s position on Israel, according to state news agency Bernama.
Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stated that Ambassador Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob communicated to U.S. officials that Malaysia’s longstanding policy of not recognizing Israel is well established. “It has always been Malaysia’s policy. Our immigration policy does not recognize the State of Israel or the Zionist regime. This has long been our position,” Hasan was quoted as saying.
Hasan explained a recent incident involving an individual with dual citizenship from the U.S. and Israel who attempted to enter Malaysia using his U.S. passport. Following verification of the individual’s Israeli citizenship, authorities ordered him to leave the country.
Malaysia has no diplomatic relations with Israel and has consistently expressed its support for the Palestinian cause, particularly in light of actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
This latest diplomatic friction stems from controversy surrounding the Network School, a digital community established in Malaysia by U.S. investor Balaji Srinivasan. The school faced backlash on social media when accusations arose that it included Israeli participants. An investigation by Malaysian authorities confirmed that all participants possessed valid travel documents. Nonetheless, the school was closed on Tuesday.
In response, eight U.S. congressmen penned a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing discontent with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s intention to monitor and deport any Israeli citizens in the country.
Despite the congressional pushback, Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to barring Israeli citizens from entering the nation. “That will not deter us. They may issue threats, but I will firmly defend the rights of the Malaysian people and uphold the government’s decision to continue prohibiting the entry of any Israeli national into Malaysia,” he stated.
The U.S. congressmen are urging the State Department to reevaluate economic and security relations with Malaysia. They have called for a cessation of funding for the International Military Education and Training program, which provides U.S. military training to Malaysian personnel, unless the Malaysian government reverses its decision within 15 days.
