Malaysia Summoned by U.S. Over Israel Policy as Diplomatic Tensions Rise

Malaysia's ambassador to the United States has been summoned by the U.S. State Department to explain Kuala Lumpur's long-standing policy of not recognizing Israel, marking a new point of diplomatic friction between the two countries.

According to Malaysia's state news agency, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Ambassador Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob reaffirmed that Malaysia's position on Israel has remained unchanged for decades.

U.S. Summons Malaysia Envoy Over Israel Policy Amid Diplomatic Dispute — photo 1

Malaysia Defends Longstanding Policy

Mohamad Hasan said the ambassador informed U.S. officials that Malaysia's immigration and foreign policy have consistently refused recognition of Israel and that the country's stance predates the latest dispute.

The issue reportedly arose after authorities discovered that an individual holding both U.S. and Israeli citizenship had entered Malaysia using a U.S. passport. Officials later confirmed the person also held Israeli citizenship and instructed them to leave the country.

U.S. Summons Malaysia Envoy Over Israel Policy Amid Diplomatic Dispute — photo 2

Network School Controversy Sparks Diplomatic Row

The diplomatic dispute intensified following scrutiny of Network School, a digital nomad community founded in Malaysia by U.S. investor Balaji Srinivasan.

Social media allegations claimed the program included Israeli participants, prompting Malaysian immigration authorities to investigate. Officials later confirmed participants possessed valid travel documents but eventually shut down the program.

U.S. Summons Malaysia Envoy Over Israel Policy Amid Diplomatic Dispute — photo 3

Malaysia, which has no diplomatic relations with Israel, has consistently voiced support for the Palestinian cause.

U.S. Lawmakers Raise Concerns

The controversy also drew attention in Washington, where a group of eight U.S. lawmakers urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review U.S. security and economic cooperation with Malaysia.

The lawmakers also called for the suspension of funding for the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program unless Malaysia reverses its policy of deporting Israeli citizens found in the country.

The U.S. Embassy in Malaysia has not publicly commented on the reported diplomatic exchange.