US Summons Malaysian Ambassador Over Israel Entry Ban

The United States Department of State summoned Malaysian Ambassador Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob to discuss Kuala Lumpur's policy of not recognizing Israel. Diplomatic tensions escalated after Malaysian authorities shut down the Network School, a digital nomad community founded by U.S. investor Balaji Srinivasan. The school was closed Tuesday following allegations that it included Israeli participants, though a subsequent probe found those participants held valid travel documents.

Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, reiterated on Wednesday his government's decision to prohibit the entry of Israeli nationals and announced plans to track down and deport any Israeli citizens found within the country, citing a commitment to the Palestinian people. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan defended these actions as a long-standing pillar of Malaysian immigration policy.

In response, eight U.S. congressmen wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging a comprehensive review of security and economic ties with Malaysia. The lawmakers demanded the termination of funding for the International Military Education and Training programme if Malaysia does not reverse its decision to deport and bar Israeli citizens within 15 days.