President Muizzu Reaffirms Ban on Israeli Passports, Says No Space for Israelis in Maldives

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that he opposes Zionism and will not provide any space for any Israeli citizen to stay in the Maldives. He made these remarks while refuting claims that properties being developed under the Rasmale project would open a path for Israeli citizens to stay in the country. Speaking on the state media series program 'Nation Chat,' President Muizzu said his foreign policy has been the 'Maldives First' policy since the very first day of his administration. He stated that he would always maintain good relations with Arab Islamic countries, and as the Maldives is an Islamic nation, the interest in leasing the properties being developed in Rasmale lies with the citizens of Arab Islamic countries. Highlighting that no Israeli citizen would be allowed to stay even for a single day in the properties being developed in Rasmale, the President said that to ensure this, the nationality of people coming to those places would be checked in all aspects and verified. Speaking about his stance against Zionism, the President said that until today, no president of the Maldives has spoken out more strongly against Zionism and the genocide being carried out by Israel than he has. 'The first tweet I posted during the transition period was about this. Regarding the country's policy. Practically speaking, were there any people before who could use an Israeli passport? Were they not people who were completely eating from Houthi sources?' the President said. The President revealed that various entities contacted him and opposed his decision to ban Israeli passports. However, he concluded that this decision was taken because it was the most beneficial course for the country, and as the tourism sector in the Maldives has expanded today, the correctness of this decision has been proven.