Story perspectives

Malaysia to Deport Israelis Amid Network School Probe

7/18/2026

Summary

Anwar Deports Israelis

Malaysia will deport Israeli citizens, announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on July 17, 2026.
Decree supports probe into Israeli involvement in Network School, a Forest City hub created by executive Balaji Srinivasan.
Immigration officials inspected 266 nationals from 40 countries at the site, finding all held travel documents while inquiries continue.
Anwar ordered a review of the community’s licences, accommodation and land-use approvals, promising firm action without compromise.

Summary

Anwar Backs Hamas

Anwar Ibrahim phoned Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh after the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre and pledged support for the Palestinian people.
Ibrahim accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, called Hamas terrorists “freedom fighters,” and called the campaign barbaric.
Officials warned that U.S. President Donald Trump might impose new tariffs on Malaysia’s semiconductor and AI data-center exports.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to a JNS inquiry about the deportation order, underscoring diplomatic tension.

Summary

Home Ministry Probes

The Home Ministry launched a probe after Johor’s state government asked for a federal inquiry into alleged Israeli links to Network School.
Malaysian immigration law bars Israeli passport holders without special government approval.
The probe is coordinated by the Home Ministry and immigration officials, showing a multi-agency effort.
It runs separately from the Immigration Department’s routine check of 266 foreign residents at Forest City.

Summary

Onn Hafiz Verifies

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi ordered immigration, customs, police and other agencies to verify the nationality of all Network School occupants.
Residents pay US$1,500 (?RM6,100) monthly for accommodation, meals, gym and co-working space.
Tech investor Balaji Srinivasan launched the private community in 2024, targeting techno-optimists.
Israeli dual-citizenship holders at Network School became a focal point in the recent Johor state election, prompting debate.

History

Historical Context

In 1975 Prime Minister Abdul Razak Hussein amended the Immigration Act to bar Israeli passport holders, denying entry to roughly 2,300 Israelis that year. The policy, reinforced by Malaysia’s passport inscription “valid for all countries except Israel,” has persisted, and in July 2026 Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ordered the deportation of Israeli citizens, echoing the long-standing exclusion.

1 of 5

Anwar Deports Israelis

Malaysia will deport Israeli citizens, announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on July 17, 2026.
Decree supports probe into Israeli involvement in Network School, a Forest City hub created by executive Balaji Srinivasan.
Immigration officials inspected 266 nationals from 40 countries at the site, finding all held travel documents while inquiries continue.
Anwar ordered a review of the community’s licences, accommodation and land-use approvals, promising firm action without compromise.

1 / 5