US summons Malaysia envoy as diplomatic rift over Israel policy deepens
Tensions escalate after the shutdown of a digital nomad community and a congressional threat to cut military training funding, prompting a formal diplomatic summons from the US State Department.
The United States Department of State has summoned Malaysia’s ambassador to the United States, Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob, to address Kuala Lumpur’s longstanding policy of non-recognition of Israel. The diplomatic intervention follows a series of incidents that have strained bilateral relations, including the closure of a digital nomad community and a legislative threat from the US Congress to withhold security assistance.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan confirmed that the ambassador informed the US State Department that the nation’s stance is not a recent development. He stated that Malaysia’s immigration policy does not recognise the State of Israel or the Zionist regime, a position the government has maintained for years. Hasan clarified that the immediate diplomatic friction stemmed from the entry of an individual with dual US and Israeli citizenship who arrived using a US passport; authorities later identified his Israeli nationality and requested he leave the country.
The incident gained prominence following the shutdown of the Network School, a digital nomad community founded by US investor Balaji Srinivasan. The closure occurred after social media claims suggested the community included participants from Israel. Although Malaysian authorities verified that all participants held valid travel documents, the school was shut down on Tuesday. This administrative action coincided with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement of plans to track and deport Israeli citizens found within Malaysian borders.
Tensions escalated further after eight US congressmen wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging a comprehensive review of economic and security ties with Kuala Lumpur. The lawmakers threatened to cut off funding for the International Military Education and Training programme, which provides professional training for Malaysian military personnel, unless Malaysia reverses its entry ban on Israeli nationals within 15 days.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has firmly rejected the pressure, reiterating that the government’s decision to prohibit the entry of any Israeli national is non-negotiable. Citing Malaysia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause and opposition to actions in Gaza, Ibrahim stated that threats from the US would not deter the government from upholding its policy. He emphasised that the decision is grounded in defending the rights of the Palestinian people and opposing what he described as oppression and aggression in the region.
