US Summons Malaysian Ambassador over 'Ban on Israeli Nationals' Policy
"Opposition to Israel's Oppression and Occupation of Palestine"
Escalating Tensions Between the U.S. and Malaysia
The Donald Trump administration in the United States is currently at odds with Malaysia over its policy restricting entry of Israeli nationals, including summoning the Malaysian ambassador to the U.S.
According to the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 25 (local time), Mohammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob, the Malaysian ambassador to the U.S., was recently summoned by the U.S. Department of State to provide an explanation on Malaysia's policy of non-recognition toward Israel.
Mohamad Hasan, Malaysia's Foreign Minister, stated, "This has always been Malaysia's policy. Our immigration policy does not recognize the state of Israel or the Zionist regime," adding, "This has been our long-standing position."
This controversy reportedly began with the establishment of 'Network School,' a digital nomad community in Forest City, Johor, in southern Peninsular Malaysia, founded by American investor Balaji Srinivasan.
After allegations surfaced that Israeli nationals subject to Malaysia's entry restrictions had entered Network School using foreign passports, the authorities announced they would identify any Israeli nationals and deport them immediately.
The authorities confirmed that they are investigating around a dozen individuals suspected of holding dual citizenship, and among them, one Israeli national has been ordered to leave the country.
As an Islamic country, Malaysia does not recognize Israel and implements a policy that allows Israeli citizens to enter only with prior special approval from the authorities.
However, in response to this development, eight U.S. Democratic members of the House of Representatives, including Brad Sherman, recently sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, arguing that the policy violates international law and called for a review of security and economic relations with Malaysia.
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Nevertheless, Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, stated that Malaysia has enforced this policy for decades, explaining that it is not anti-Semitic but rather a stance against Israel's oppression and occupation of Palestine.
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