Malaysia’s longstanding policy of not recognising Israel remains unchanged despite calls by several U.S. lawmakers to suspend military training programmes and reconsider bilateral ties, Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Saturday.

Speaking to reporters after an event in Johor Bahru, Khaled said Malaysia’s policy toward Israel had been in place for many years and that actions taken against Israeli citizens allegedly linked to activities at the Network School in Forest City were consistent with that policy.

Eight U.S. lawmakers recently urged the U.S. administration to consider suspending military training programmes with Malaysia and reviewing bilateral relations unless Kuala Lumpur changed its policy on identifying and deporting Israeli citizens.

Khaled said any decision by the U.S. government to suspend such programmes would be its own matter, but stressed that Malaysia’s position on Israel was longstanding.

“Malaysia’s policy regarding Israel has existed for a long time. The United States knows this,” he said.

Khaled also said military cooperation between Malaysia and the United States remained normal, with Malaysian military personnel continuing to attend courses and training programmes in the United States. Some programmes last one year, while others run for 18 months or two years.

He rejected claims that Malaysia received military funding from the United States under the training programmes, describing them instead as educational and professional development opportunities for military personnel.

Authorities have been investigating the involvement of Israeli citizens in activities linked to the Network School in Forest City, including allegations of violations of local laws and regulations.

Khaled said Malaysia’s position on Israel was part of its longstanding foreign policy and should not come as a surprise to any country.