US criticism of Malaysia’s Israel stance spotlights growing ‘disconnect’

Claims that Malaysia’s ban on Israelis entering the country are antisemitic are unlikely to trigger a major policy shift, analysts say

The remarks escalated a dispute that has drawn in members of the US Congress, Malaysia’s long-standing refusal to recognise Israel and the widening international debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hostility towards Jewish people begins.

“We are not insulting the Jews. We are against what Israel is doing,” Anwar told reporters on Friday. “We are being labelled as if we are against a certain group. We are only against countries that oppress others.”

Anwar said Malaysia’s policy on Israel was well received by Malaysians but not by US lawmakers.

“We are a sovereign and independent country. We will not compromise nor allow a single Israeli to set foot in Malaysia,” he said.