why malaysian cannot travel to israel

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Actually ah, why are Malaysians not allowed to travel to Israel?

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This article was originally written in Jan 2016.

Before we begin, a poll!

So do you any of you remember your first passport? Do you remember holding it with pride because you now had your face and name on a book that belonged to you (not like a tiny IC urgh)? Do you also remember the feeling of pride being quickly replaced with intrigue when you open your passport and on the first page and it says there…

“Pasport ini sah digunakan untuk semua negara kecuali Israel” – Any Malaysian passport googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1432096356462-0'); });

Unedited image from freeworldmaps.net

Yea, some of us in the CILISOS office recall feeling the same thing with our first passports. 

When we asked a few of our friends and acquaintances, a number of them said that they were told that Malaysians were not allowed to travel to Israel because it was a dangerous, war-torn country.   That may be true to a certain extent, but that is hard to believe when the World Health Organisation lists the life-expectancy of Israeli people as among the top 5 in the world in 2014. Also there are so many other  countries are currently war-torn but we don’t see Malaysia banning us from going there.  Heck we’re not even anywhere near them so it can’t be over a territorial dispute!

And with our Malaysian passport being one of the strongest in the world   (meaning how many countries we can go to without a visa, 163 countries to be exact), why would there be this massive restriction for just one particular country? Well, the answer is probably a bit more than just for safety reasons la.

Malaysia actually doesn’t accept Israel as a legit country at all!

Hence, the passport thing. You cannot actually go to a country that doesn’t exist , well at least in the eyes of your country. Since our independence in 1957, Malaysia as a country has not established any diplomatic relations with the state of Israel .

Aside from us not being allowed to travel there, Israeli people also  not allowed to travel here without some approval from the Home Ministry.

We say ‘since our independence’ because when this was happening, the state of Israel had already been around for like 8 years. Image from maleisie.be

And it’s not like we’re the only country in the world which has done so. Heck it’s not even like it’s just 1-2 countries. Articles like this and this mention that at least 36 countries worldwide do not consider Israel as a legit country!

World map with colours dictating the country’s position towards Israel. Image by Davshul on Wikipedia.

With there being around 196 countries in the world (around because there are more countries out there that are not legit to other countries ) that means about 18 percent, or almost 1 in 5 of the world’s countries doesn’t recognise Israel as legit. And with all that’s been said, the next most logical thing to ask is…

Because Malaysia supports another state: Palestine

“We have, are, and will always fight together with Palestine for their cause.” – PM Najib Razak, as quoted by The Star

And that’s also why you sometimes see this flag or similar looking stickers on Malaysian cars. Image from pixabay.

Some of you already hearing bells ringing in your head. Yes this may be considered the war bit. The area which Israel refers to as their state , is also largely disputed to belong to another state, Palestine .

Why Palestine territory on two different sides is also part of the long story between those two. Image from primeau-canada.com

This timeline by Al Jazeera shows that the conflict between the 2 countries goes back to as early as 1799 but things started to get really heated after World War 2  especially as it got closer to the date of Israel’s establishment.

“Jewish Israelis, whose ancestors began migrating to the area in the 1880s, say their claim to the land is based on a promise from God , and also for the need for a safe haven from widespread hostility toward the Jewish people (known as anti-Semitism). The Palestinian Arabs say they are the rightful inhabitants of the land because their ancestors have lived there for hundreds of years. ” – Report by The New York Times

All that has happened has actually resulted in 2 governments recognised partially worldwide. All in an area about the size of Pahang.  (Click here for Pahang size and here for Israel/Palestine size )

But as far as Malaysian relations with these 2 states go, on the side of Palestine , we are one of 135 countries around the world that recognise Palestine as a legit country    (as of 2014).

Image from The Washington Post.

But on the other hand, our approach to Israel  ( as listed on Kementerian Luar Negeri’s website ), is that we would only consider beginning ties with them when a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinian people is reached.

But then again, Malaysia seems okay with Israel also in some other ways.

Malaysia’s weird relationship with Israel

Our dear PM and Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu bump into each other at the UN. No fisticuffs were exchanged, despite Bugis warrior blood.

Click for article.

Recently we even made news when we didn’t allow two Israeli windsurfers to use their flag or play their national anthem if they won , which led to them pulling out.  We’ve also been warned of doing the same to Israeli table tennis athletes in an upcoming tournament in Shah Alam.

Also, many of you would’ve heard of the  protests against McDonald’s, Starbucks, and HSBC ,  or the protests when Israel attacked a Palestinian mosque.  

HOWEVER….

“Trade continues to accelerate: Between January and July this year, Israeli exports to Malaysia soared to $884.7 million, a 27% jump over the same period last year. By contrast, Malaysia’s foreign trade figures don’t carry any mention of Israel at all. In its annual data for 2012, for instance, trade with Israel is included in an entry for “Other Countries.”” – TimesofIsrael.com

Aiyo. Why so shy, Malaysia? The same newspaper even patted Najib on the back for “a new dawn in Muslim-Jewish relations” . In fact, even PAS has voiced out against the government on this hypocrisy.

“To me, this is the hypocritical policy of Umno-BN to at once offer Malaysia’s aid and defence to the Palestinians while at the same time bolstering economic and trade ties with Israel. Indirectly, Malaysia is helping to strengthen Israel in continuing its oppression and killing of Palestinians,” he said in a statement today.” – PAS MP Datuk Mahfuz Omar, MalayMailOnline

In any case, the trade seems to have dropped with Israel exporting only $6.81 million worth of goods to Malaysia in 2020 but, yea, that’s a story for another day la. Let’s get back on topic.

“So as a Malaysian, I can never, ever go to Israel?”

Well, not ever , ever la.

Say you have a really, really important thing you need to go for in Israel, you will need the permission of the Kementerian Dalam Negeri to do so. An official at the Kementerian Dalam Negeri tells us that there are 3 cases where a gomen may allow a Malaysian to go to Israel.

• Religious reasons (only for Muslims and Christians)

You gotta apply for it  first though (just a heads up, clicking on link will result in download). Aside from that, if your intention is to go to Israel for cuti , you’re probably not gonna be able to do so. (But in regards to religious reasons, these also depend on the situation over there, because the Home Ministry has banned pilgrimages to Israel in the past , for security reasons.)

But hey… if you just wanna buy their goods, that’s pretty easy to do 🙂

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Claims that Malaysia and Israel are mulling an agreement allowing visa-free travel between their citizens are untrue.

In fact, Malaysia continues to have no diplomatic relations with Israel, while Malaysian passports cannot be used for travel to Israel except for specific cases of religious pilgrimage.

Malaysia lifts quotas on pilgrims to Israel

Removal of restrictions reportedly will allow an unlimited number of malaysian christians to visit israel for up to 21 days at a time..

Before You Go: What to Know About Entering and Exiting Israel

After a recent TPG trip to Israel , many readers messaged us with questions about visiting the country. There were, of course, questions about hotels, flights, attractions and food. But a majority of the queries had to do with the logistics of flying into and out of the nation.

Many travelers aren't sure if they're even able to enter Israel, and are concerned about passport stamps, visas and airport security. Here, we'll detail some of the most important things you need to know about entering and exiting Israel.

While these tips are specifically for US passport holders, most of the information can be applied to travelers holding Canadian, British or other European passports. And of course, it's important to remember that, just because something is supposed to happen when entering and exiting Israel, personal experiences can vary, and regulations often change without notice. Feel free to share your own tips for traveling to Israel or sound off on your personal experiences in the comments below.

Have a Passport Valid for at Least Six Months

While US passport holders technically have no minimum validity requirement when entering Israel, your passport must be valid for the entirety of your stay. It's highly recommended, though, to have a passport that's valid for six months or more , or your airline may deny you boarding even though the nation of Israel may not deny your entry. If you're concerned, or are cutting it close, the best thing to do is renew your passport. If it's too late for that, call the airline you're flying to confirm if you'll be allowed to board.

Keep Track of Your Entry Card

US passport holders are allowed to stay in Israel for 90 days with a free tourist visa, and it's possible, in some circumstances, to extend this. Although it's technically a tourist visa, visitors from the US don't have to worry about obtaining or showing any paperwork, or making any payment, either beforehand or upon arrival to obtain the visa. (Nowadays, it's largely referred to as the entry card.) The entry card — a small piece of paper in lieu of a stamp — shows information such as the date you arrived, a small photo of yourself and the date when your 90 days in Israel are up.

Don't lose or misplace your entry card . While you may or may not be asked to present it when exiting the country, showing the card at hotels and car rental companies is important, because it will exclude you from paying the VAT tax of 17%. I was personally also asked to show it at a random road border checkpoint near the Dead Sea, so it's a good idea to always have it (and your passport) on hand. You will also get another small slip of paper when you leave, your exit card.

Don't Worry About the Stamp

When you arrive at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv (TLV), your passport should not be stamped. Israel has stopped stamping passports in almost all cases. But, some TPG readers have had their passports stamped during land crossings. Entering both Jordan and Egypt from Israel is permitted and you can do so by land crossing directly from Israel. (For more information on land crossings and possible stamps there, read the land-crossing section below.)

If you already have an Israeli stamp in your passport (the country stopped stamping fairly recently), don't panic. You can try to get a second passport , or just be careful about which countries you enter. Lebanon is one of the strictest countries, denying entrance to anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport.

Other countries you should avoid entering if you have an Israeli stamp are Syria, Sudan, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Although you will be allowed to enter Muslim-majority countries such as Morocco, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates or Indonesia with the stamp, still be careful. Any interactions with police in a Muslim-majority country, in cases where you have to show your passport with Israeli stamp, could subject you to additional questioning.

Of course, this isn't a science, and some travelers may experience more (or less) questioning or similar issues at border checks when entering and exiting these countries.

It's important to know that when entering Israel, it's OK if you have stamps from Middle Eastern countries. While this may trigger a lot of security questions (see the section on security below), you'll still be allowed to enter and exit the country. Holders of Iranian visas in their passports should expect a lot of added questioning and thorough security checks, but should still ultimately be granted entry.

Get Standard Vaccines

US travelers aren't required to have any specific vaccines when visiting Israel, though having the measles and Hepatitis A vaccines is, as usual, recommended before travel.

Navigating the Land Crossings

It is possible to cross the Israeli border into either Jordan or Egypt — but not to Syria or Lebanon. While an Israeli officer shouldn't stamp your passport upon exiting or entering, we have heard reports of select TPG readers having their documents stamped at land crossings. So, you can simply ask the Israeli border control officer not to stamp your passport and, hopefully, they won't.

You must be careful, however, because the border control agents in Jordan or Egypt will stamp your passport upon entry and exit. The stamp is slightly different than the one you'd get by flying to the Amman (AMM) or Cairo International (CAI) airports, usually showing the name of the land crossing.

Extra scrutiny from a border agent in another country such as Lebanon may notice these entry or exit stamps from Egypt or Jordan and realize you entered by land -- making it clear you'd been to Israel. An easy way around this is to simply ask the land agents in Jordan or Egypt not to stamp your passport when entering or exiting. As I mentioned above, if you do end up with an Israeli (or Jordanian or Egyptian land crossing) stamp, all is not lost. You can apply for a second passport if you then later plan to visit a country such as Lebanon.

If you plan to visit Jordan or Egypt by way of land crossing, you may need a visa, or to pay an entry or exit fee -- and this may be different than the requirements for arriving by air. Fees also depend on the specific border crossing. We have heard reports from a few TPG readers that they were able to pay with a credit card at some of the border crossings. You can always attempt to pay with credit card first, but have cash on hand just in case (and in various currencies, if possible). Some land crossings do have money exchanges nearby in case you're stuck.

You can get a visa upon arrival at two (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba crossing in the south, near Eilat; and the Jordan River crossing/Sheikh Hussein Bridge in the north, near Beit She'an) out of the three border crossings into Jordan from Israel (except the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge), according to the Jordan International Border Crossing information page. Visa fees (often subject to change) are 40 Jordanian dinars (a little over $56) for a single entry, valid for one month. When departing Jordan, expect to pay 8 dinars ($11) at any border crossings except the airports. The US Department of State explains that, "US passport holders must obtain Jordanian visas in advance to enter Jordan via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge near Jericho. For US passport holders entering Israel via Jordan at Allenby/King Hussein Bridge [the third international crossing point between Israel and Jordan], Israeli authorities issue visas on arrival. Procedures for all three crossings into Jordan are subject to frequent changes. "

Visitors heading to Egypt by way of Israel at the Taba Border Crossing must obtain a visa in advance from the Egyptian Embassy in their home country or at the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in Tel Aviv. The exception is if you're only planning to visit Sinai, in which case "Sinai Only" visas are issued in the moment at the Taba Crossing.

Visiting Bethlehem

US citizens with a valid 90-day tourist entry card (the small blue piece of paper I previously encouraged you not to lose) can visit Bethlehem, which is just a few miles from Jerusalem. Bring your passport along with the small entry card, though you may or may not have to show it at the border. It's best to have at least six months or more validity on your passport if you plan to go to Bethlehem, too.

Airlines Flying to Israel

Not all airlines fly to Israel. Many countries don't even recognize the country, so don't expect to fly to Tel Aviv on airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Royal Air Maroc, Saudia or Qatar. And the following countries have banned nonstop flights to Israel : Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

You can, however, fly Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian and Royal Jordanian Airlines nonstop to and from Israel.

But there are a few interesting exceptions. For example, Egypt Air doesn't fly to Israel — at lest, not exactly. They use a special airline, Air Sinai, which is actually owned by Egypt Air to operate any flights between the two countries. In fact, Air Sinai was established in 1982 for the sole purpose of operating flights between Egypt and Israel. In order to buy an Air Sinai ticket, you'll have to do so through a tour agency or a travel agent, as they aren't available online.

Also, both Saudi Arabia and Libya allow certain airlines (such as Air India and Ethiopian) to use their airspace when flying to Tel Aviv, while the Israeli national carrier, El Al, is not allowed .

If you fly El Al to Israel, expect extra questioning and intense security measures.

Security Before Flying to Israel

You may encounter heavy security and questioning before even checking in for your flight when flying Israeli carrier El Al, regardless of your departure airport. The airline has much heavier security measures than other airlines for entering Israel. Most other airlines won't do any added security questioning before departure.

Some TPG staff members flying El Al noted some serious questioning about their Jewish heritage and customs. TPG travel editor Melanie Lieberman specifically remembers getting asked about her Hebrew name (which she doesn't have) and both Wallace Cotton, TPG 's community manager, and Becca Denenberg, TPG 's director of marketing and communications, were asked which Jewish holidays they celebrated. Non-Jewish flyers can expect routine questions pertaining to why they are visiting Israel and about any stamps in their passport from Muslim countries.

Getting questioned when flying El Al isn't limited to travelers departing from US airports. You'll be questioned, regardless of departure city, if you're flying El Al. TPG UK's director of content, Nicky Kelvin, has experienced extremely long questioning by El Al security agents before arriving at check-in, as well as occasional follow-up question pre-boarding when flying out of London. (He's flown El Al out of London to Tel Aviv more than 10 times.)

Declaration at Customs

You must declare if you are carrying 50,000 shekels (just shy of $14,000) or more when entering or exiting Israel by air and, if entering or exiting by land, you must declare if you are carrying 12,000 shekels ($3,350) or more.

Security Upon Departure From Israel

Upon departure from the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, all passengers are questioned before check-in.

In theory, the questioning should not be hostile: just very thorough and possibly invasive. During my exit from Israel a few weeks ago, I was questioned exhaustively about several stamps in my passport from destinations such as the UAE, Morocco, Malaysia and Indonesia. I was asked if I knew people in any of those countries, where I had stayed and what my purpose was for traveling there.

Megan Robertson, a video editor and producer at TPG, remembers being questioned about her visit to Turkey, as well as her reasons for visiting Israel. She told TPG she, "got a lot of questions about who I was visiting in Israel, especially since I'm not Jewish and have no family ties there." It's best to be prepared for rigorous questioning, and to "stay calm," Megan said. "Just answer truthfully to the best of your ability."

Depending on your answers, you'll get a sticker on the back of your passport. The first number on the sticker is your flag as a perceived security threat. The numbers range from one, the lowest, to six, the highest. And I got a five. (Apparently, this is normal if you're not Jewish or are traveling alone. ) The extra security was definitely a pain, but I've had worse during a brief period of time when I was marked with the dreaded SSSS in the US .

After check-in, I was sent to a special security line, where every single one of the belongings in my carry-on was taken out, examined and tested for explosives. I walked through the metal detectors and was patted down despite not setting the alarm off.

It was annoying and, frankly, a little embarrassing, but not a huge deal. I originally blanched when the staff at my hotel suggested I arrive at the airport three to four hours in advance of my flight departure time, but they were right, and it's worth giving yourself the extra time in case you end up with extra security screening.

However, those with a sticker with the first number as six should be ready for an even more intense search. If you feel you've been unfairly flagged or treated disrespectfully in any way, you can report it. The US State Department warns that, "some US citizens of Arab or Muslim heritage (including Palestinian-Americans) have experienced significant difficulties and unequal and hostile treatment at Israel's borders and checkpoints. US citizens who have traveled to Muslim countries or who are of Arab, Middle Eastern or Muslim origin may face additional questioning by immigration and border authorities. US citizens should immediately report treatment by border officials that they believe is discriminatory or hostile to the ACS unit of the US Embassy in Jerusalem ( [email protected] ) or the ACS unit of the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv ( [email protected] )."

If you are concerned about being flagged or expect to be in a rush upon either arrival or departure, you should consider prebooking a VIP departure or arrival , which varies in price (usually around $300 to $400 per person, depending on the package) but can include everything from pickup at the jetway to VIP security , luggage pickup and check-in, as well as access to a VIP arrival or departure lounge. (Read Brian Kelly's full review of the service.)

After my intense security screening, I headed to immigration, where I was given a pink exit paper — a replacement for my exit stamp. You may also go through an e-gate for immigration, which issues you this pink paper. I was able to keep both the blue entry card and the pink exit one, and faced no additional questioning at immigration or during the boarding process.

If you ever plan to visit one of the aforementioned Middle Eastern countries that may have a problem with the fact that you've visited Israel, make sure to peel off the sticker from your passport to avoid any issues. And leave the blue and pink papers (those Israeli entry and exit cards) at home, too.

Be Prepared When Traveling on Shabbat

Judaism specifies that Shabbat — from Friday at sundown to sundown on Saturday — should be kept as a holy day. For this reason, all public offices and many businesses are closed on Shabbat. As a result, your travel may be affected. While most airlines operate flights in and out of Israel during these hours, El Al normally does not. Security may take longer, too. Public transportation such as trains and buses may not be operating at all or be operating with a restricted schedule, so plan accordingly to arrive at the airport in time.

WATCH: How to Avoid TLV's Long Lines With NEW VIP Terminal

• International

Iran attack on Israel

Mayorkas impeachment proceedings

Columbia president testifies

April 15, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Kathleen Magramo, Antoinette Radford, Maureen Chowdhury and Amir Vera, CNN

Malaysia and Indonesia urge restraint to prevent escalation in the Middle East

From CNN's Teele Rebane and Dhruv Tikekar

Malaysia and Indonesia have issued separate statements calling for restraint after Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel.

Both Southeast Asian countries, where Islam is the predominant religion, reiterated support for Palestinian rights and causes. Malaysia and Indonesia do not recognize Israel.

"Malaysia strongly urges all parties in the Middle East region to refrain and exercise great caution and not to escalate the already tense situation," its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Sunday.

“Any further form of provocation and/or retain could ignite a devastating region-wide conflict that will not serve the region nor the Palestinian cause,” the statement read, reiterating the objective of ensuring “freedom of the Palestinians and their rights to their lands.”  “Any distraction from this objective is what Israel wants, which is to deflect the global community’s attention away from their nefarious inhumane and unconscionable acts in Palestine,” it said.

Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called on "all parties to exercise restraint" after Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel and said that they were "deeply concerned over the escalation of the situation in the Middle East."

"Indonesia urges the UN Security Council to act immediately to de-escalate tensions and continue working towards lasting peace in the Middle East, including by ending the illegal occupation of Palestine and various violations of international law by Israel."

India calls on Iran to release 17 Indian crew members on board seized container ship 

From CNN's Sandi Sidhu in Hong Kong 

India has called on Iran to release 17 Indian crew members on board a container ship seized by Iran on Saturday. 

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that he spoke to his Iranian counterpart Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and "took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries."

Four Filipino seamen were also on board the ship, according to the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers.

The department said it was working with its government, the ship owner, and the operator to release the captured seafarers.

On Saturday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked container ship in a helicopter operation near the Strait of Hormuz, state news agency IRNA reported. 

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) said there were 25 crew members on board.

It's morning in the Middle East. Here's what you need to know

From CNN staff

An hours-long Israeli war cabinet meeting ended Sunday  without a decision  on how Israel will respond to  Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack , an Israeli official said.

The cabinet is determined to take action — but has yet to decide on the timing and scope, the official said.

CNN analyst Barak Ravid said Israeli ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot advocated for swift action, but  US President Joe Biden's phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu   led to a decision to delay the response. 

Israel is not seeking war after Iran's attack and "balance is needed in this situation," Israeli President Isaac Herzog told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Sunday.

Biden and senior members of his national security team told their counterparts the US will not participate in any offensive action against Iran, according to US officials familiar with the matter.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said any “new aggression against the interests of the Iranian nation will be met with a heavier and regrettable response,” according to state media. 

Here are some other key developments:

• UN response:  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres  called for a de-escalation of violence.“It’s time to step back from the brink. It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East,” he said. In Sunday’s UN Security Council emergency session called to address Iran’s attack, Israel and Iran condemned each other’s actions .
• Diplomatic response:  Jordan summoned Iran's ambassador after it intercepted Iranian drones over the country. G7 nations condemned the attack and said they would work together to "stabilize the situation" in the Middle East. And US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of avoiding escalation in the region and "a coordinated diplomatic response," in calls with his counterparts from the UK, Germany , Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia .

And here's the latest on the war in Gaza:

• Child shot in the head: As thousands of Palestinians were turned away from returning to their homes in northern Gaza,  a young girl was shot in the head  by Israeli soldiers, her mother said. Video showed a man carrying Sally Abu Laila, 5, who was bleeding from her head, with people crowding around her in panic trying to cover her wound.
• IDF calls in reserves: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Sunday it was calling in about two reserve brigades for Gaza "operational activities" after a situational assessment. The move was to defend Israel and civilian security, the IDF said.
• Bakery reopens: A World Food Programme (WFP) bakery has reopened in northern Gaza, where the UN agency says bakeries have been unable to operate for months due to the war and lack of access. "We need safe & sustained access to prevent famine," WFP  said .
• Ceasefire deal: Hamas has turned down an offer on a ceasefire and hostage deal, IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said. A diplomatic source familiar with the negotiations told CNN the militant group rejected the proposal at talks in Cairo.

Israeli and Iranian ambassadors trade accusations during UN Security Council session

From Abel Alvarado in Atlanta

Israel and Iran’s United Nations ambassadors condemned each other’s actions during Sunday’s UN Security Council emergency session called to address Iran’s attack on Israel.

Israel’s UN ambassador Gilad Erdan said Iran "must be stopped before it drives the world to a point of no return, to a regional war that can escalate to a world war."

Erdan accused Iran of seeking world domination and that its attack proved that Tehran "cares nothing, nothing for Islam or Muslims" before pulling out a tablet to show a video of Israel intercepting Iranian drones above Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Erdan called on the Security Council to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terror organization.

“Action must be taken now, not for Israel's sake, not for the region's sake, but for the world's sake. Stop Iran today."

Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said his country’s operation was "entirely in the exercise of Iran’s inherent right to self-defense, as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and recognized by international law."

Iravani said:

“Iran is never seeking to contribute to the spillover of the conflict in the region, nor does it to escalate or spread the tension to the entire region," he said.

Tehran’s attack had been anticipated since  a suspected Israeli strike  on an Iranian diplomatic complex in Syria earlier this month.

Iravani added Iran has “no intention of engaging in conflict with the US in the region” but warned Iran will use its “inherent right to respond proportionately” should the US initiate a military operation against “Iran, its citizens or its security.”

"No significant damage within Israel," senior US military official says

From CNN's MJ Lee, Kevin Liptak and Priscilla Alvarez

A senior US military official said the United States assessed there was "no significant damage within Israel itself" after Iran's missile and drone barrage.

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari appeared to echo the assessment on Sunday, saying that out of hundreds of rockets launched from Iran, only a few penetrated Israel, causing minor damage to the infrastructure at Nevatim airbase near the runway and to a road in the Hermon region.

Nevatim remained fully functional, and planes continued take-off and landing to fulfil their missions.

US President Joe Biden told the Israeli prime minister in his phone call Sunday that he should consider Saturday a win because Iran’s attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israel’s superior military capability, a senior administration official said.

John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, said Sunday the ability to prevent widespread damage was a demonstration of Israel’s “military superiority” and proof that Iran was not the “military power that they claim to be.”

“This was an incredible success, really proving Israel’s military superiority and just as critically, their diplomatic superiority, that they have friends in the region, that they have around the world that are willing to help them,” Kirby told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.”

Read more about what US officials said.

Israel's war cabinet meeting ends without a decision on Iran attack response, an official says

From CNN's Jeremy Diamond

An hours-long Israeli war cabinet meeting ended Sunday night without a decision on how Israel will respond to Iran’s attack, an Israeli official said.

The cabinet is determined to respond – but has yet to decide on the timing and scope. 

The official said the Israeli military has been tasked with coming up with additional options for a response.

Separately, a senior Biden administration official told reporters that an Israeli official told the United States that it's not looking to significantly escalate the showdown with Iran.

“I think Israel made clear to us they're not looking for a significant escalation with Iran. That's not what they're looking for. They're looking to protect themselves and defend themselves,” the senior administration official said. 

Israel war cabinet minister Benny Gantz said earlier Sunday that Israel will “exact a price from Iran in a way and time that suits us.”

CNN's Priscilla Alvarez contributed to this report.

US Homeland Security doesn't find any "specific or credible threats" following Iran's attack on Israel

From CNN's Priscilla Alvarez

The US Department of Homeland Security has not identified any “specific or credible threats” to the US since Iran’s attack on Israel and is working with partners to evaluate the threat environment, a US official told CNN.

Earlier this month, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters that there’s been a heightened threat environment amid the conflict in the Middle East.

“I will say what we are dealing with, with respect to the conflict in the Middle East, is expressions of hate and threats and violence connected there to on both sides of the debate. And we have a heightened threat environment that we continue to be in as a result of that conflict,” he said.

A Homeland Security spokesperson said Sunday that the federal agency is continuing to monitor the situation and urging the public to remain vigilant.

Palestinian girl shot in mother's arms as they attempted to return to home in northern Gaza

From Mohammad Al-Sawalhi in Gaza and CNN’s Abeer Salman, Kareem Khadder and Zeena Saifi in Jerusalem

As thousands of Palestinians were turned away from returning to their homes in northern Gaza,  a young girl was shot in the head  by Israeli soldiers, her mother said.

Video showed a man carrying Sally Abu Laila, 5, who was bleeding from her head, with people crowding around her in panic trying to cover her wound.

Before the shooting, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said reports that people could return to their homes in northern Gaza were false.

“The northern Gaza Strip continues to be an active war zone and return to the area is not currently permitted,” IDF said.

Read the full story.

Israel is not seeking war after Iran's attack, President Herzog says

From CNN's Jennifer Hauser

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Indonesia and Malaysia still opposed to ties with Israel despite covert relationship

April 14, 2021

While  Indonesia and Malaysia remain publicly supportive of Palestine and refuse to establish ties with Israel, both countries have successfully pursued a secret trade and diplomatic relationship with Tel Aviv for decades.

By Umair Jamal

On April 1, Israel’s ambassador to Singapore, Sagi Karni , told the South China Morning Post that Muslim countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, could have “ fruitful relations ” with Israel.

Karni’s gave the statement following Israel’s recent normalization of ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.

Currently, Israel does not have an official diplomatic relationship with Indonesia or Malaysia but the two countries have long enjoyed a booming trade and political relationship with Tel Aviv.

Karni believes that the Muslim word’s views on Israel are changing and his comments show Tel Aviv hopes to develop ties with Southeast Asia’s Muslim countries.

That said, at this point, Indonesia and Malaysia do not appear ready to publicly acknowledge their relationship with Israel, let alone establish formal ties.

“Fruitful relations”: What is Israel proposing to Indonesia and Malaysia?

Regarding Israel’s position on ties with Indonesia and Malaysia, Karni said that “We are open and willing and interested in having good relations with all countries. We have nothing against Malaysia; we have nothing against Indonesia.”

“We’d like to have normal diplomatic, political relations we would like to have also, very importantly, normal economic relations.”

However, he explicitly said that the onus to move the discussion forward in this regard was on Indonesia and Malaysia. As soon as they give an indication that they want to develop ties “we can move very fast,” Karni said, “But we cannot force anybody to be our friends.”

Karni’s comment can be best understood as a reference to Malaysia and Indonesia’s insistence on the resolution of the Palestine issue before normalizing diplomatic ties with Israel. In 2016, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had asked Indonesia to normalize ties with Israel, but Indonesia refused to move on the offer unless Palestinians were granted an independent state.

Responding to Israel’s recent normalization of ties with Arab countries, Indonesia’s foreign office said the country’s position will not change.

Similarly, Malaysia offered a relatively muted response to the development and called for Palestinians rights to be protected.

According to Karni, the agreements with the UAE and Bahrain, known as the Abraham Accords , demonstrate to the Muslim world that Israel is not looking for any secret deals. For Karni, the Abraham Accords represent a “conceptual paradigm change” where all parties involved signed agreements in front the world and “not behind closed doors.”

From Israel’s perspective, this strategy could be replicated with other Muslim countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia, if they are willing.

Karni said that the formula for developing ties is different now as Israel offers “Peace for peace, trade for trade, flights for flights, tourism for tourism, science for science.”  

Understanding Indonesia and Malaysia’s response to the Abraham Accords

Indonesia and Malaysia’s response to this shift is interesting in that there have been no overt or hostile calls from official circles to continue boycotts against Israel at all costs. Arguably, both countries have welcomed the agreements as they have described the development as an opportunity to open more avenues to resolve the Palestine issue.

Indonesia called on all parties involved in the Abraham Accords to “respect the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters” to safeguard Palestinian rights.

“We understand the intention of the UAE and Bahrain to provide space for the relevant parties [Palestine and Israel] to negotiate and change the approach to solving the Palestinian issue through this agreement. However, the effectiveness of the agreement depends to a large extent on Israel’s commitment to respect it,” Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Teuku Faizasyah said in a statement.

“It is time to consider that these initiatives and agreements [Abraham Accords] are geared toward restarting a credible multilateral process. This will allow equal footing for all parties and be based on agreed international parameters,” the spokesperson added.

Malaysia’s response on the other hand also indicated that the country is not opposed to the development. In a statement, Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hishammuddin Hussein said that his country recognized the “ sovereign right ” of the UAE to establish diplomatic ties with Israel. But he reiterated that Malaysia’s position on the issue of Palestine and Palestinian rights remains unchanged.

Indonesia and Malaysia’s responses indicate that both countries anticipate the agreement could offer new chances to resolve the Palestine issue, which could then allow them prepare to recognize Israel as well. 

With successful relationships behind the scenes, what prevents Indonesia and Malaysia from recognizing Israel? 

Analysts believe the UAE, Bahrain and other Gulf countries’ recognition of Israel will make it difficult for Indonesia and perhaps Malaysia to continue supporting the Palestinian cause.

“Of course, there’s a commitment not to interfere in the affairs of other countries that have normalized [ties with Israel] but Indonesia will still gently remind them not to forget the plight of the Palestinians,” said Yon Machmudi, a researcher based at the University of Indonesia’s Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies.

Indonesia and Malaysia’s cautious responses to the accords come despite strong pressure from radical elements to criticize the agreements. To an extent, this domestic pressure is perhaps the one key reason that may prevent them from establishing diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv. “Domestic radical Islamist elements will feature strongly in Indonesia’s decision-making processes on issues pertaining to relations with Israel,” noted Syed Huzaifah Bin Othman Alkaff of Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in an article he published recently. 

Another paper written by Greg Barton and Colin Ruben Stein for the Jewish Political Studies Review argues that, “While not inherently antithetical to Israel, Indonesia clearly places a higher value on avoiding trouble with radical Islamist elements at home than it does on normalizing relations with far-away Israel.”

Sebastian Strangio, writing for The Diplomat , suggested that, “Given the costs [for Indonesia], it is also questionable whether formal recognition would be worth it.” 

There is also evidence to suggest that both Indonesia and Malaysia have somewhat secretly maintained a cordial relationship with Israel. For decades, there have been many high-rank visits between Indonesia and Israel. Bilateral trade between Indonesia and Israel, which is mostly routed through other countries,  reached  US$400-500 million in 2013. In 2018 , bilateral trade between the two countries reportedly amounted to US$100 million. According to an  Israeli official , the bilateral trade between Indonesia and Israel reaches “hundreds of millions of dollars a year.” An Israel-Indonesia economic council has had an established office  in Israel since 2009.

The equation is similar for Malaysia, which has a “ booming but very discreet ” trade and informal diplomatic relationship with Israel. According to data published by the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), total trade between Malaysia and Israel reached US$1.5 billion for 2013 alone. Roughly US$1.46 billion of this figure was Israeli exports to Malaysia. In 2016, Israel’s exports to Malaysia reportedly stood at US$1.4 billion. However, Israel’s exports to Malaysia over the last four years have dropped significantly with Tel Aviv only exporting US$6.81 million worth of goods in 2020.

“Trade continues to accelerate: Between January and July this year, Israeli exports to Malaysia soared to US$884.7 million (RM2.8 billion), a 27% jump over the same period last year,” according to a Times of Israel article about 2014’s trade exchanges.

Like Indonesia, Malaysia uses third countries to do business with Israel, which makes its particularly difficult to account for the total volume of bilateral trade. “Every shipment is duly recorded in Israel’s foreign trade statistics but studiously ignored by Malaysia,” the Times of Israel said.

“A raft of Israeli exporters and eager buyers in Malaysia and also neighboring Indonesia—the world’s most populous Muslim nation—are braving the political headwinds in order to do business—largely through third countries such as Singapore.”

“As in the case of Southeast Asia, the allure of Israel’s high tech exports to business people in these countries seems to outstrip the political hostility,” it noted.

For Indonesia and perhaps Malaysia to recognize Israel “would likely require a deal that would grant strategic political, economic or military advantage which would not only appease nationalists but also be worth the trouble with Islamist groups,” argues NTU’s Alkaff in his recent article.

While a thriving trade relationship and discreet diplomatic contacts remain in place, it is unclear when Indonesia and Malaysia could be ready to openly establish ties with Israel. Much of this will depend on the countries’ domestic political conditions which, for now, remain hostile to any such prospect.

About the Author

Umair Jamal

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Why remove ‘except Israel’ from passports?

The outburst of violence between Palestine and Israel during the month of Ramadan led to Hamas firing rockets and Israel bombing Palestine. Israeli air strikes caused at least 254 Palestinian deaths including 66 children and massive destruction in Palestine. On May 18, France along with Egypt and Jordan, announced the filing of a United Nations resolution for ceasefire and the fighting ended.

The prime minister and the foreign minister of Bangladesh gave Bangladesh's support to the legitimate struggles of the Palestinians and condemned Israel's attacks. 

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

Since the establishment in 1971 of Bangladesh as a Muslim majority country, the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, openly affirmed his position in favour of Palestine and stood against Israeli oppression in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Bangladesh supported the Palestinians against Israel during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, including in the form of sending a medical team and relief supplies for Palestinians.

In 1980, a postal stamp was created depicting a Palestinian freedom fighter, the Al-Aqsa mosque in the background shrouded by barbed wires, and text celebrating Palestinian fighters as "valiant" in English and Arabic.

With the endorsement of the Father of the Nation, all passports contained the clause: "This passport is valid for all the countries of the world except Israel." 

Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Palestine are close and cordial. Bangladesh has been a consistent supporter of the Palestinian campaign for an independent state and has no relations with Israel. Furthermore, Palestine has a mission in Dhaka and Bangladesh offers scholarships to young Palestinians, and the two countries co-operate on other affairs as well. 

Now, in a surprise move on May 23, 2021, the foreign and home ministers  announced that Bangladeshi passports will no longer bear the text "except Israel". This move, after 50 years of independence, contradicts the Father of the Nation's commitment to Palestine and the citizens' commitment to Palestinians. 

The foreign minister of Bangladesh said that there has been no change in Bangladesh's position towards Palestine as it still does not recognise Israel. But it is surely reasonable to suspect that this deletion means relations with Israel may move towards normalisation.

On the other hand, if removing the phrase "except Israel" has indeed not changed Bangladesh's position on Israel, the question arises: why remove these words if it does not make any difference if they are there?

Already, Israel's Deputy Director General for Asia and Pacific at Israel's Foreign Ministry has tweeted, "Great news! Bangladesh has removed travel ban to Israel. This is a welcome step and I call on the Bangladeshi government to move forward and establish diplomatic ties with Israel so both our peoples could benefit and prosper."

The Israeli Ambassador to India said, "Look forward to working with the Govt of Bangladesh, so much added value we can bring to each other".

These are ominous moves from Israel when the foreign minister says we shall maintain norelations with Israel. Clearly, the Israeli government anticipates further movement. The home minister said the changes are to ensure passports meet "international standard". Yet, "except Israel" was there when the government introduced machine readable passports (MRPs) 10 years ago. Had it also not met international standards back then?

All passports have to maintain the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) standard. Yet, Bangladesh's passports already meet it. Passports of all countries meet it, so why the change? And what global standard is he talking about? ICAO is the global standard.

The foreign minister said, "No country uses these words 'except Israel' anymore, not even the Arab nations."

I am amazed at the above comments of the two ministers, who must be familiar with passports of many countries.

To cite a few examples, while Malaysia does have commercial relations with Israel, the Malaysian passport bears the text, "This passport is valid for all countries except Israel."

Pakistan is one of the countries whose passport explicitly states "all countries… except Israel."

At least twelve countries do not accept Israeli passports, including Algeria, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen.

Libya's passports state, "All countries of the world except occupied Palestine". Libya does not even recognise Israel. The passports of all the above countries are ICAO compliant.

One has to wonder what the foreign minister and the home minister mean by claiming that "except Israel" is used by no other countries.

The Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, approved passports with the term "except Israel". He also had a meeting with the Palestinian Leader, Yasser Arafat, in Lahore in 1973 at an OIC meeting. The passports that the Father of the Nation endorsed include "except Israel" and such passports are also ICAO compliant.

Who decided to overlook the stand taken by the Father of the Nation and also make statements that are untrue?

Dropping "except Israel", despite its endorsement by Bangabandhu, should have been discussed in public. Why was this move not been discussed in Parliament and in an open house debate? We select our politicians, we vote for them, and they are answerable to us. 

The issue of an "administrative problem" was mentioned by the home minister without much specificity. What is the administrative difficulty with having two words—"except Israel"—unless passports have already been ordered without them?

It is quite possible that this has all been due to the influence of powerful and wealthy individuals who have persuaded politicians to take this step.

We need to help Palestine, especially now that recent events have brought a new unity amongst young Palestinians, including many within Israel itself. I request that the two words, "except Israel", be inserted back into the passport again.

Selina Mohsin is a Former Ambassador.

অটোরিকশা-প্রাইভেটকারে ধাক্কা দেওয়া ট্রাকচালকের ছিল না ভারী যানের লাইসেন্স

পুলিশ জানায়, ট্রাকটি আল আমিন চালালেও তিনি সেটির মূল চালক নন। বদলি হিসেবে ট্রাক চালচ্ছিলেন তিনি।

এসির উৎপাদন বাড়াচ্ছে দেশীয় প্রতিষ্ঠান

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Malaysia imposes docking ban on Israeli ships, vessels heading to the country

Wednesday, 20 Dec 2023

Related News

Asean news headlines as at 9pm on Wednesday (April 17)

Port ban a firm, bold stance against israel, say academics, m’sian ports ban israeli ships.

PETALING JAYA: Ships from an Israeli shipping cargo company as well as those en route to the country or those hoisting the country’s flag will be restricted from docking at Malaysian ports with immediate effect, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"The Malaysian government has decided to bar and restrict Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd, which is a shipping company based in Israel, from docking in any Malaysian port," the Prime Minister said in a statement Wednesday (Dec 20).

ALSO READ: Malaysia opposes US action to veto UN resolution demanding ceasefire in Palestine, says Anwar

Zim is a publicly held Israeli international cargo shipping corporation and the Cabinet had allowed ships from this company to dock in Malaysia from 2002 onwards.

"In 2005, the Cabinet decided to permit the ship to dock in Malaysia," he said.

However, the current government decided to cancel the decisions of the former administration.

ALSO READ: Anwar hopes China will help resolve Palestine-Israel conflict

Anwar said the Transport Ministry would take immediate action by imposing a permanent ban against this company.

This ban would come into immediate effect.

In addition, any ships hoisting the Israeli flag would also not be allowed to dock in Malaysia.

"Aside from that, Malaysia will also prohibit any ships on the way to Israel from unloading cargo in Malaysia ports. Both of these bans come into effect immediately," he said.

ALSO READ: 'Asean, Japan can help Palestine'

He said this is in response to Israel’s action, where the country had gone against international laws and ignored humanitarian principles through its continuous atrocities against Palestinians.

Anwar said Malaysia was confident that the move would not have any effect on Malaysian trade.

Related stories:

Tags / Keywords: Shipping Ban , Israel , Docking Ban , Anwar Ibrahim , Malaysian Ports ,

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Ships Bearing Israeli Flag No Longer Allowed To Dock In Malaysian Ports

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Malaysia will also impose a ban on any ships heading to Israel from loading their cargo at any Malaysian ports.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia has decided to block and not allow ships from Israeli company ZIM to dock in any Malaysian ports.

In a statement today, the prime minister said the Transport Ministry will act on the matter by imposing a permanent ban against the company, effective immediately.

This comes after an online petition surfaced on Change.org , calling for the Malaysian government to ban ZIM ships from docking here.

The petition was started by one Mohd Ismail and has amassed 26,031 signatures as at the time of writing.

The petition wants the country to ban all Israeli-owned ships from docking in Malaysia.

It also claimed that a ZIM-owned ship was set to dock at Westport on 26 December.

“We call upon the Minister of Transport to immediately instruct the Port Klang Authority to refuse the ship from docking. Failure to do so implies that the Malaysian government is not serious about stopping the atrocities being committed by the Zionist regime on the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank,” said the petition.

Anwar said the ban serves as a reaction to Israel’s continued violation of international laws and disregard of the basic principles of humanity as well as the atrocities committed against the people of Palestine.

“For the record, the Cabinet in 2002 first allowed the company’s ships to dock in Malaysia. In 2005, the Cabinet allowed the ship to dock. But, the government today decided to cancel the decision made by the previous Cabinet.

“At the same time, the government has also decided to no longer allow any ships with Israeli flag to dock here,” he said.

Anwar added that Malaysia will also impose a ban on any ships heading to Israel from loading their cargo at any Malaysian ports.

These two bans come into effect immediately.

Anwar expressed his confidence that the decision will not hamper Malaysia’s trade activities.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Instagram , or  Threads .

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Follow our news, recent searches, analysis: malaysia’s pro-palestinian stance and ties with hamas — under the spotlight but not under pressure, advertisement.

Analysts say domestic politics was among Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim’s considerations in reiterating the country’s support of the Palestinian cause and defending its relationship with militant group Hamas.

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim meeting with the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation (MAPIM) at the Parliament Building, Oct 16, 2023. (Photo: Facebook/Bernama)

Rashvinjeet S Bedi

KUALA LUMPUR: It has been more than a week since Palestinian national Abdalrahim Shehab, 46, has got a proper night’s rest.

He has been worried sick about the situation back home in Gaza since the latest flaring up of tensions last Saturday (Oct 7) that he is unable to shut his eyes for long.

His phone next to him is never switched off at night as he tries to get in touch with his family. 

“I am charging my phone four times a day and the phone is beeping every few minutes. I cannot sleep as images of kids dying keep on appearing. My father is 77 and has health issues while my mother is 72,” Mr Abdalrahim told CNA.

“I am just worried about my family back home. It is very hard when you are away from your beloved ones and it is very hard to reach them.”

The only consolation for Mr Abdalrahim, who has just completed his doctorate in architecture at a university in Malaysia, is the overwhelming warmth and support from the Malaysian community.

Mr Abdalrahim who has been living in Malaysia for 10 years with his wife and five children, said that a Malaysian even paid for his son’s haircut on Tuesday when he knew he was from Palestine.     

“I cannot put into words how all this means to me,” he said while sobbing on the phone with CNA.

Mr Abdalrahim said he is also thankful for Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s stance on the issue, to the extent of publicly defending Malaysia’s relationship with the Palestinian militant group Hamas that has governed Gaza since 2006.

“Anwar is the first Muslim leader to not only clearly state support for Palestine but for Hamas. Even the Arab countries have refused to do so,” he said.

At least 3,400 Palestinians have been killed while in Israel, the death toll has passed 1,400 people after Hamas' cross-border assaults on Oct 7 which have been followed by Israel's attacks in the Gaza strip.

Observers say that Malaysia’s position on the Palestinian cause is not unusual, reflecting the position of the majority of the people, where Muslims make up almost two-thirds of the population.

They, however, don’t expect Malaysia to face any pressure for its stance that has not wavered from day one of the issue, going back decades.

MALAYSIA’S SUPPORT

While most Western countries and some Arab countries have condemned Hamas for its part in the killing of Israeli civilians on Oct 7, Malaysia has refused to do so.

This has cast a spotlight on Malaysia’s relationship with the group that has been designated as a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union among others. 

Mr Anwar told the parliament on Monday (Oct 16) that Western and European countries have repeatedly asked Malaysia to condemn Hamas in meetings.

"I said that we, as a policy, have a relationship with Hamas from before and this will continue," he added.

“Therefore, we don’t agree with (western countries) as Hamas won the elections. The people of Gaza chose them to lead.”

In a Facebook post on Tuesday (Oct 17), Mr Anwar said he had a conversation with Hamas’ Political Bureau head Ismail Haniyeh the day before to express the country’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people.

“Given the dire situation in Gaza, I strongly advocate for the immediate cessation of bombardment and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor in Rafah,” said the premier, who also pledged RM100million (US$21milllion) in humanitarian aid for Gaza.

“It is also imperative for Israel to abandon their adherence to the politics of dispossession, immediately ceasefire with Hamas and genuinely pursue a peaceful resolution to end the ongoing conflict.”  

Mr Anwar who will be going to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Oct 19 for the Asean and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit said that he would discuss the matter with friends such as UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey if there is a need to hold meetings with other world leaders on the issue.

Malaysia’s vocal support for the Palestinian cause was reportedly the trigger behind a bomb threat scare at the Mid Valley Southkey mall in Johor Bahru on Oct 15.

The police told reporters that the management of the mall received a call from a person claiming to be from overseas who wanted to place a bomb in the area because of Malaysia’s support for Palestine.   

The mall was evacuated and later declared to be safe, but despite the threat, Malaysia’s deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the country would continue supporting the Palestinian cause.

A day later, Malaysia’s Education Ministry announced that they were pulling out from this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair , accusing the organisers of taking a pro-Israel stance.

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In line with majority’s thinking.

Political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan of the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research told CNA that Mr Anwar’s stand was in line with the feelings of the majority of Malaysians. Malaysia does not have political relations with Israel.

“Anwar’s stance reflects the Palestinian issue as a whole and Hamas is just at the background of it. Malaysians generally don’t view Hamas as a militant group but one that is trying to free their country,” he said, adding that the Fatah group that governs the West Bank was also welcome in Malaysia. 

Dr Azmi pointed out that even political parties from across the spectrum would put aside their differences and voice out as one when it came to the Palestinian cause.

“It’s not just during Mr Anwar’s premiership but way before this. I am not sure if these are their personal feelings, but the official stance is they are together on this,” he said.

On Oct 13, politicians from across the spectrum including former prime ministers Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin Yassin as well as several serving cabinet ministers joined a rally of thousands at Malaysia’s national mosque in Kuala Lumpur to rally for the Palestinian cause. 

Mr Dennis Ignatius, former Malaysian ambassador to Chile and Argentina, told CNA that Mr Anwar’s statements since the conflict erupted was aimed at putting the whole issue into context.

“No one can turn away from the terrible atrocities committed by Hamas but what Malaysia is saying is that they only want us to condemn Hamas violence against Israel, but they don’t want to see the picture in a wider context,” he added, referring to the Western countries cited by Mr Anwar.

“The Western position is to condemn Hamas but where is the condemnation of Israel during the years and years of atrocities that have been committed?” he asked.

“They only want to get that soundbite that Malaysia condemns Hamas because it feeds into their narrative. Malaysia won’t do that, but it doesn’t mean that we don’t care when civilians are killed,” he added. 

In Malaysia, the Palestinian issue is seen more as a religious issue rather than one of human rights and justice, something which Mr Ignatius acknowledged.

“I understand the religious dimension of it but we also have to see it as a human rights issue. That part of policy needs to be emphasised,” he said. 

Madam Norma Hashim of Viva Palestina – a relief and advocacy group in Malaysia - said she believes that the Palestinian issue was important to many Malaysians because of the significance of the Al-Aqsa mosque that is located in Jerusalem.

The mosque is considered to be the third holiest site for Muslims. 

“It has great religious significance. It’s not about Gaza, but about Palestine and Jerusalem,” said Madam Norma who has authored several books on the Palestinian cause.

MALAYSIA’S OPEN RELATIONSHIP WITH HAMAS

Malaysia has never hidden its relationship with Hamas, welcoming its leaders openly here.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh met with Dr Mahathir back in Jan 2020 when the latter was in his second stint as prime minister.  

In Jan 2013, former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak visited Gaza on a humanitarian mission, where he was received by the Hamas leader Haniyeh.

There have also been allegations that the Palestine Cultural Organisation Malaysia (PCOM), a non-governmental organisation in Kuala Lumpur, is a front for Hamas.

According to its website, the organisation - which is located in a house close to the heart of Kuala Lumpur -  aims to develop a mutual understanding and cooperation between Palestine and Malaysia. 

Among the events it has organised include talk series’, annual grand Iftar or the breaking of fast during the Ramadan month, advocacy week, and outreach programmes. 

Those affiliated with the organisation, including some approached by CNA in recent days, have denied this linkage between PCOM and Hamas.

But in 2018, Palestinian lecturer Fadi al-Batsh who was also said to be a member of Hamas was gunned down in Kuala Lumpur by someone who was supposedly recruited by Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency.

In September of last year, local media reported that two Palestinian computer programmers were abducted on the instructions of Mossad by Malaysians, although both managed to get away.

NO REASON FOR CHANGE IN STANCE

Analyst James Chin, who is a Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, told CNA that domestic politics was among Mr Anwar’s considerations in publicly reiterating Malaysia’s position on the issue and its support of the Palestinian cause.

“We know that the Americans don’t like it but they will understand why he is doing it - to show his position in the Muslim community,” he added.

“By and large, there won’t be any blowback at all. Everybody knows it is political posturing and it is not only him who is doing it. Indonesian groups are doing it as well. It is not something new or unexpected.”  

Prof Chin explained that as Mr Anwar faces political problems domestically with the majority of Malay voters supporting the Parti Se-Islam Malaysia (PAS), pushing support for the issue was good to show his Islamic credentials.  

“It is also a good issue for him to take some sort of leadership position amongst Southeast Asian nations because there are substantial Muslim populations in Singapore, southern Philippines and southern Thailand, in addition to the Muslim-majority countries of Indonesia and Malaysia,” he said. 

Dr Azmi of the Nusantara Academy believed that Malaysia’s stance wouldn’t affect the country’s relationship with the West as it did not have a huge influence.

“Malaysia is not, I would say, Saudi Arabia, which has a huge influence in that region. So when Malaysia says this, it won’t change the balance of geopolitics there,” he said.

Malaysia's ambassador to the United States Nazri Aziz told Malaysian broadcaster Astro Awani that the Department of State was not pleased with Malaysia's stance on the issue.

He however said that the country would not succumb to pressure from any party for the support given to Hamas and Palestine.   

Mr Ignatius - the former ambassador – said that each country in the region has their own unique perspectives on their stances due to various factors.

“We have always insisted that there will be no recognition of Israel until a deal is worked out.

“Even Arab countries have normalised relations but this is our position and we have stuck to it. It’s a matter of principles and one of the few principles we have held through day from day one,” he said.

Mr Ignatius also doesn’t see why Malaysia’s relationship with other countries should be impacted amid the Israel-Hamas conflict just because of their differing stances.

He said that it isn’t necessary for every country in ASEAN for example to have a common position on every issue, especially non-regional issues. 

“Other countries may have a position that is opposite ours or be more neutral, but we can only be responsible for our position,” he said.

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Can Israeli Citizens Travel to Malaysia?

Malaysia, a vibrant Southeast Asian country known for its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, beckons travelers from around the world. For Israeli citizens considering a journey to this enchanting land, it’s essential to understand the travel regulations and visa requirements. In this blog post, we will explore the question of can Israeli citizens travel to Malaysia, visa considerations, travel tips, and important safety considerations.

Israel and Malaysia currently maintain no formal diplomatic relations. Malaysian passports bear the inscription: “This passport is valid for all countries except Israel”. Israeli passport holders are forbidden to enter Malaysia without written permission from the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs. The recognition of Israel is a politically delicate issue for the Malaysian government.

Having said that, while Malaysia officially maintains an outwardly hostile position towards Israel, commercial relations between the two countries do exist.

So the short answer is no, you can’t.

Visiting Malaysia Using Foreign Passport

As an Israeli citizen, you are not allowed to enter Malaysia using your Israeli passport, but in case you hold a foreign one you can use it to visit the beautiful country. In doing so, it is important to follow some recommendations:

First, do not mention at the border that you have an Israeli passport. Also, avoid showing them your Israeli passport by mistake. To ensure a smooth entry, it is best to place it in a separate bag.

Furthermore, refrain from using your Israeli passport to exit the country from which you intend to travel to Malaysia. Malaysian officials may inquire about your previous destination and request to see your exit stamp. As a result, likely, you won’t be able to enter that country using your Israeli passport, although some places (like Hong Kong) may be more lenient in this regard.

Travel Tips To Malaysia

Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Malaysia.

Cultural Respect: Malaysia is a culturally diverse nation, with a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous communities. Respect local customs, traditions, and religious practices while visiting various regions.

Local Etiquette: Greet people with a smile and a warm “Salamat” (hello) to make a positive first impression. Understanding local etiquette enhances your travel experience and fosters meaningful interactions with locals.

Try the Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in Malaysia’s tantalizing cuisine. From flavorful curries to delicious street food, the country offers a feast for the senses.

Safety Considerations

While Malaysia is considered a safe travel destination, it is advisable for all travelers, but furthermore to Israeli citizens, to exercise general caution and follow standard safety practices:

Keep Valuables Secure: As with any travel destination, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.

Emergency Contact Information: Save the contact details of your country’s embassy or consulate in Malaysia in case of any emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

Health Precautions: Stay updated on any health advisories or vaccination requirements before traveling to Malaysia.

Related content: Can Israeli Citizens Travel to Indonesia? | Can Israeli Citizens Travel to Oman?

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Middle East

Why israel is losing the war of global public opinion over its tactics in gaza.

NPR's Michel Martin talks to Ami Ayalon, former head of Israel's domestic security service, about Israeli leaders' political mistakes as the tide of global opinion turns against them.

LEILA FADEL, HOST:

More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed, the majority women and children, since Israel's war in Gaza began, according to health authorities there. Ami Ayalon is a former director of Israel's internal security service, the Shin Bet. In an essay published by Foreign Affairs this week, he argues that global opinion is turning against Israel, but he still believes the war is justified.

AMI AYALON: It's a war of defense, and it is a response to the horror, violence. Hamas do not recognize our right to a state, a Jewish state, on the land of Israel.

FADEL: Speaking to our co-host, Michel Martin, Ayalon says Israel is currently winning on the battlefield but will ultimately lose the war if they don't maintain the support of the international community and lay out a plan for peace.

AYALON: The major mistake that our leaders did is that on the second or the third day after the 7 of October, our Cabinet ministers decided not to discuss the day after. Once we do not know to describe the day after, we do not have any concept of victory, we do not have any political goal. We tend to forget that, you know, war is only a means to achieve a better political reality. This is the definition of victory. Our leaders do not understand that when we fight a war against a terror - ideological, theological, radical terror organization, we are fighting in two dimensions. One is a battlefield, but in order to defeat Hamas, we have to win the war of ideas. And we cannot do it by the use of military power. The only way to do it is to create or to present a better idea.

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:

Can that still happen?

AYALON: Of course. The first question that we have to ask is why - why Palestinians are fighting. My answer is very, very simple. They see themselves as a people. We do not recognize them as a people who deserve a self-determination and a state alongside of Israel, but what Biden is telling us now - and I believe that he is totally right - that we have to launch again the negotiation, in order to create hope among Palestinians.

MARTIN: Can I ask, based on your experience as the former director of the Israeli Security Agency, did the scale of the October 7 attack surprise you?

AYALON: No, it did not surprise me because 50 years earlier, on the 6 of October, the October War started, and we lost 2,000 and almost 700 people. And what we learned after Yom Kippur is that our security doctrine should be based on, yes, a major and very powerful military organization, IDF, but in addition, we have to use diplomacy. And this is something that we forgot, because I think that most Israelis do not understand that victory for Israel is to see, on the other side of the border, a Palestinian state, because once they will have a state, they will have something to lose, and if I learn something in the Shin Bet, the most dangerous enemy is an enemy that has nothing to lose. This is exactly what we saw on the 7 of October.

MARTIN: The leader of the Democrats in the United States Senate, Chuck Schumer, said recently that, you know, he feels that Netanyahu needs to step down, that a new government needs to take place in order to achieve these results. Do you agree with that?

AYALON: I totally agree. I think that Netanyahu - he's a great leader, but this is a leader who leads his people to a dead end. He is leading us to the end of Zionism. If we shall follow Netanyahu, we shall go on, you know, building settlements, and we shall face an ongoing war that nobody, nobody knows when it will end. The only way for us, first of all, to defeat Hamas - because for Hamas, it's a nightmare - this is the end of the of the dream of Greater Palestine, so in order to defeat Hamas, the ideology of Hamas, we have to present a better future in which most Palestinians will believe.

MARTIN: Do you have hope that a better day will be possible?

AYALON: Yes, I have hope, because I was the deputy and then the commander of the navy and, later, the director of the Israeli Shin Bet. I was sitting with Palestinians who are in our jails. We saw them as terrorists, but they became my friends - you know, Jibril Rajoub and Mohammad Dahlan - and we cooperated. And they told me every day, we are doing everything in order to stop terror, Jewish terror and Palestinian terror, just because we believe that on the end of the road, we shall see, we shall have our freedom, our state alongside Israel. The moment that our people will not believe, forget about us. And if you ask me what happened, when the diplomacy collapsed, this is exactly what happened. They lost hope, and when they do not have hope, we shall not have security.

MARTIN: That is Ami Ayalon. He is a former commander of the Israeli navy and a former director of the Israeli Security Agency, the Shin Bet. We are talking about a piece that he's just published in Foreign Affairs. Admiral Ayalon, thank you so much for speaking with us.

AYALON: Thank you.

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