Malaysia Says Any Israeli National Found In Country Will Be Deported 'Immediately'
Malaysia Says Any Israeli Found In Country Will Be Deported 'Immediately' Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 20:24 IST Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country with
Malaysia Says Any Israeli Found In Country Will Be Deported 'Immediately' Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 20:24 IST Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country with significant Buddhist and Christian communities, does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. (AFP file photo) Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said any Israeli national found in the country would be deported immediately if allegations of their presence are confirmed. His remarks came as authorities investigate claims that an Israeli national was involved in the operations of a private residential community in Johor. Anwar said government agencies were looking into the matter and that Malaysia would take action if the allegations were proven true. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he said the country would not allow Israeli nationals to stay as Malaysia does not recognise Israel. “We are investigating… we will not allow it. If there are Israeli nationals, since we do not recognise Israel, they will be deported immediately," Anwar said.
Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country with significant Buddhist and Christian communities, does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Authorities Probe Alleged Israeli Presence The investigation follows claims that an Israeli national was linked to the operations of Network School, a private residential community in Forest City, Johor, located near the Singapore border. Anwar said the matter was being handled by the relevant authorities and expressed confidence that further details would be provided after the investigation. He said all agencies were working on the issue and that Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir would provide more information. The Johor state government had earlier asked the Home Ministry and other agencies to investigate allegations surrounding the operation of Network School. Johor Chief Minister Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said there were claims that some individuals may have used passports from another country to enter Malaysia. The issue gained attention after allegations circulated on social media claiming that foreign nationals with Israeli passports or dual nationality documents had entered or attempted to enter Malaysia.
Network School, founded in 2024 by US technology investor Balaji Srinivasan, describes itself as a residential community for technology professionals and digital nomads. The community offers accommodation, meals and shared facilities for members. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What are the broader implications of Malaysia's stance on Israel? Malaysia's stance of immediately deporting any Israeli national found in the country, due to not recognizing Israel, has implications for its tourism and aviation sectors, potentially benefiting from shifting travel patterns amidst the Iran-Israel conflict. Could this policy affect other foreign nationals in Malaysia? Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that any Israeli national found in the country would be deported immediately if allegations of their presence are confirmed. How might this impact Malaysia's international relations? Malaysia's decision to immediately deport any Israeli nationals found in the country, due to not recognizing Israel, could impact its international relations by potentially straining ties with countries that maintain relations with Israel.
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