Anwar Ibrahim Vows to Expel Israeli Citizens from Malaysia

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that any Israeli citizen found in Malaysia will be deported immediately. The assertion, as reported by The Star and Anadolu Agency on Friday (17/7/2026), was made as Malaysian authorities investigate the alleged involvement of an Israeli national in the operations of a private residential community in the state of Johor. Anwar said that relevant agencies are probing the allegations. He stressed that the government will not compromise if the allegations are proven true. Anwar asserted that Malaysia will not allow any Israeli citizen involved in the Network School programme in Forest City, Johor, to remain in the country. Network School is a private technology community that promotes a co-living and co-learning concept. ‘If violations are found, firm action must be taken,’ the Malaysian Prime Minister said. ‘If we find Israeli citizens, we will deport them immediately because Malaysia does not recognise Israel,’ Anwar stressed in his statement. Israeli passport holders are generally barred from entering Malaysia without special permission, as the country does not recognise Israel. The Ministry of Home Affairs began its investigation after the Johor state government requested a federal-level probe regarding the allegations involving Network School. Separately, the Immigration Department reported on Wednesday (15/7) that 266 foreign nationals checked at an international community in Forest City were found to possess valid immigration documents.