(July 25, 2026 \/ JNS)\n <\/p>\n
The U.S. State Department summoned Malaysia\u2019s ambassador to the U.S. over its position relating Israel in the wake of Kuala Lumpur\u2019s expulsion of an individual holding a dual American-Israeli citizenship, Reuters reported on Friday.<\/p>\n
Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan was cited by Malaysian state media Bernama as saying that the ambassador explained to American officials that Malaysia has long held a policy of not recognizing the Jewish state.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur immigration policy does not recognise the State of Israel or the Zionist regime. This has long been our \u2060position,\u201d Ambassador Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob was cited as telling the U.S. State Department.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was an individual with dual citizenship, the U.S. and Israel, who entered Malaysia using his U.S. passport. However, subsequent checks revealed that he also held Israeli citizenship, and we asked him to leave,\u201d the Malaysian envoy added.<\/p>\n
In July, an anonymous group called Malaysian Protest 4 Palestine accused the tech startup company Network School, founded by U.S. investor Balaji Srinivasan, of hosting Israeli dual-passport holders.<\/p>\n
In response, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said \u201cif there are Israeli nationals involved, they will be deported immediately because Malaysia does not recognise Israel,\u201d The Straits Times reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n On July 16, Malaysian regulators revoked Network School\u2019s operating license.<\/p>\n