Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said Israel can no longer be considered part of a “civilized community of nations.” He has maintained that position in recent calls for tougher international action against Israeli conduct in Palestine. Anwar has called for an end to arms and military support, action to stop Israeli settlement expansion, a halt to the forced displacement of Palestinians and accountability for violations of international law.
At a special summit of Arab and Islamic countries in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Nov. 11, 2024, Anwar said Israel had crossed the line for remaining part of the “civilized community of nations.” He called for consideration of tough measures including an arms embargo on Israel and the suspension or, if necessary, expulsion of Israel from the United Nations. Those points were also included in remarks released by Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry.
Two years after that statement, Anwar’s position on Palestine has shown no major change. In recent remarks in 2026, he has instead emphasized making international pressure on Israel more effective and binding.
On Aug. 21, Anwar strongly condemned Israel’s plan to build a new settlement in the E1 area of the West Bank. He said construction in the area near East Jerusalem would effectively divide the occupied West Bank and seriously damage the prospects for a contiguous and independent Palestinian state.
Anwar said Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are illegal under international law, but Israel has continued them. He said the new settlement decision came amid the ongoing destruction in Gaza and settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Malaysia would take the matter seriously if any international company joined the E1 project, he said.
On Sept. 11, the Malaysian prime minister welcomed a declaration by 12 Western countries against Israeli settlements. He said statements alone were not enough and firm steps were needed to implement the decisions.
Anwar welcomed moves by several countries, including Britain, Canada and France, to ban or restrict trade in goods produced in Israeli settlements. He also urged Western countries to use their diplomatic and economic influence to increase pressure on Israel. He said it was urgent to stop settlement expansion and the forced displacement of Palestinians, ensure accountability for the destruction in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid to arrive without obstruction.
In the same remarks, Anwar urged the international community to move beyond condemnation and statements and take “real and binding” measures. He said effective steps are now needed to protect international law, secure Palestinian rights and establish lasting peace in the Middle East.
During a visit to the Maldives on Sept. 15, Anwar again outlined a tough position on Palestine. At a joint news conference with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, he said there had been a complete abandonment of morality and justice in Gaza. Countries that speak of human rights and democracy, he said, are tolerating daily killings and destruction in Gaza. Malaysia will continue to support Palestinians’ right to self-determination and an independent state, he said.
On the same day, Anwar also made clear Malaysia’s position against allowing its territory to be used to transport goods that could aid Israeli military operations. He said Malaysia would not be used as a transit point for any shipment that could increase Israel’s military capacity or support military action against Palestinians.
He said any suspicious shipment would be inspected and investigated, and “firm action” would be taken if evidence showed a violation of Malaysian law.
Anwar’s recent position on Palestine shows that his policy now emphasizes not only political statements but also economic and trade pressure. He has publicly discussed boycotting goods from Israeli settlements, acting against international companies involved in settlement construction and blocking shipments that could support Israel’s military capacity.
At the 2024 Riyadh summit, Anwar had called for tougher steps including an arms embargo on Israel and consideration of suspending or expelling Israel from the United Nations. Viewed alongside his recent remarks in 2026, the core elements of his position remain consistent.
Anwar’s current message is that condemnation alone is not enough on Palestine. He says practical steps are needed against Israeli settlement expansion, the displacement of Palestinians and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He has also called on countries to stop supplies and transport that could support Israel’s military capacity.
The Malaysian prime minister has also said he will continue to support the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state. His recent remarks frame that position around international law and Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
Anwar Ibrahim’s 2024 statement that Israel was no longer part of the “civilized community of nations” is therefore reflected in his 2026 remarks. This time, however, he is stressing specific steps, including trade restrictions, action against companies involved in settlement construction and a halt to transport of military equipment bound for Israel.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report