The US Department of State has summoned Malaysia’s ambassador to the United States due to concerns regarding Malaysia's policy on Israel, as reported by the state news agency Bernama. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Malaysia's stance, which has consistently supported the Palestinian cause and refrained from recognizing the state of Israel.

Malaysia's Foreign Minister, Mohamad Hasan, stated that Ambassador Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob conveyed to the US State Department that the country's position on Israel is longstanding and well-known. "It has always been Malaysia’s policy. Our immigration policy does not recognize the State of Israel or the Zionist regime. This has long been our position," Hasan explained.

The situation escalated after the Network School, a digital nomad community founded by US investor Balaji Srinivasan, faced backlash on social media for allegedly including participants from Israel. Although Malaysian authorities confirmed that all participants had valid travel documents, the school was shut down. Following this, eight US congressmen expressed their outrage in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, criticizing Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's plan to track and deport any Israeli citizens in the country.

In response to the congressional letter, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to barring Israeli citizens from entering the country, despite pressure from US lawmakers. He emphasized that Malaysia will continue to defend the rights of the Palestinian people and oppose the actions of Israel in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. "That will not deter us. They may issue threats, but I will firmly defend the rights of the Malaysian people and uphold the government’s decision to continue prohibiting the entry of any Israeli national into Malaysia," he stated.

The US congressmen have urged the State Department to reconsider economic and security ties with Malaysia, suggesting that funding for the International Military Education and Training program, which supports professional training for Malaysian military personnel, should be cut unless Malaysia reverses its decision within 15 days.