Maldives President Says Ban on Israeli Visitors Will Stay in Force

Despite the announcement that the war has ended, the Maldives says Israelis still will not be allowed to enter the country. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu used a mass political rally for his party on the island of Dhallu Maadhoo to attack the former government and to present his stance on Israel as a central political message, according to Channel 12.

In a combative speech, Muizzu highlighted the ban on holders of Israeli passports, which the country enforced after a long period of public and parliamentary pressure. He portrayed the move as proof that his government is defending Islamic values and the national interest.

Muizzu also directly criticized the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, accusing its two previous administrations of trying to normalize ties and of building overly close relations with Israel. The Maldives and Israel do not have official diplomatic relations.

"Under our vision, entry into the country with an Israeli passport has been banned," Muizzu said. For him, the boycott of Israeli tourists and the removal of airline companies from the country remain a key part of his religious and security agenda.