US Summons Malaysian Envoy Over Israeli Entry Ban

The United States Department of State summoned Malaysian Ambassador Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob to Washington, D.C., to explain Kuala Lumpur's policy regarding Israel. The diplomatic escalation follows a July 15 announcement by Anwar Ibrahim that Malaysia would deport any Israeli nationals found in the country, specifically targeting dual citizens.

This move was triggered by investigations into the Network School, a digital nomad community in Forest City, Johor, founded by U.S. investor Balaji Srinivasan. Although authorities found participants held valid documents, the school was shut down on July 22 after allegations that it included Israeli participants. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan defended the action, noting a specific case where a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen was asked to leave upon discovery of his citizenship.

In response, eight U.S. lawmakers, led by Congressman Greg Landsman, urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review security and economic ties with Malaysia. The lawmakers characterized the policy as anti-Semitic and demanded the suspension of International Military Education and Training funding if the policy is not reversed within 15 days.

Anwar Ibrahim dismissed the U.S. congressional demands as misguided and absurd, asserting that the ban on Israeli citizens is a sovereign decision based on opposition to the colonisation of Palestine and Gaza. He stated that Malaysia will not be intimidated into reversing a decades-old policy, though he maintained that Malaysia continues to welcome U.S. investments and citizens.