Malaysia's envoy in Washington was called to the State Department to clarify Kuala Lumpur's stance on Israel, according to state media reports referencing the foreign minister.

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stated that Ambassador Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob informed US officials that Malaysia's established policy against recognizing Israel has remained consistent over time.

"It has always been Malaysia's policy. Our immigration policy does not recognise the State of Israel or the Zionist regime. This has long been our position."

"There was an individual with dual citizenship, the US and Israel, who entered Malaysia using his US passport. However, subsequent checks revealed that he also held Israeli citizenship, and we asked him to leave," Bernama quoted Mohamad as saying late on Thursday.

Reuters has requested a response from the US embassy in Malaysia.

Dispute Triggered by Alleged Inclusion of Israelis in 'Digital Nomad' Community

The disagreement arose after Network School, a digital nomad group established in Malaysia by US investor Balaji Srinivasan, faced questions following social media claims that it hosted participants from Israel.

Malaysia maintains no diplomatic relations with Israel and is recognized as a strong backer of the Palestinian cause.

An immigration review of Network School determined that all participants held proper travel documents, yet officials closed the program on Tuesday.

Eight US congressmen later wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern over Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's plan to locate and promptly deport any Israeli citizens discovered in Malaysia.

They called on the State Department to reassess security and economic relations with Malaysia.

They further urged the State Department to end support for the International Military Education and Training program, which offers professional US training to Malaysian military personnel, unless the decision is reversed within 15 days.