Relationship dossier
Israel
Malaysia
Relationship assessment
Malaysia’s restrictions on Israeli engagement reflect a sustained dispute, while information about Israeli policy specifically toward Malaysia is limited.
Israel toward Malaysia
Not assessedMalaysia toward Israel
-35Malaysia does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel and has restricted Israeli nationals’ entry. In 2019, Malaysia barred Israeli athletes from a swimming event it was due to host, leading the International Paralympic Committee to withdraw the event.
Overall relationship
Not assessedHow to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Malaysia does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel and has imposed restrictions on Israeli entry and participation in international events hosted in Malaysia. These policies reflect a sustained bilateral dispute, particularly over Malaysia’s support for Palestinians. Information about concrete Israeli government conduct specifically toward Malaysia is insufficient to assess that aspect of the relationship.
Areas of tension
- Malaysia’s refusal to establish diplomatic relations with Israel
- Restrictions on Israeli nationals’ entry and participation in events hosted by Malaysia
- Malaysia’s support for Palestinians and opposition to Israeli policies
Key developments
Malaysia barred Israeli athletes from a swimming event it was due to host; the International Paralympic Committee subsequently withdrew the event.
Major uncertainties
- The scope and implementation of Malaysia’s entry restrictions on Israeli nationals are unclear.
- Details of specific Israeli government policies directed toward Malaysia are limited.