Malaysia Reaffirms Israeli Deportation Policy Amid Forest City Investigation

Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim confirmed on July 15-16, 2026 that any Israeli nationals found in the country will be deported immediately. Not a new policy - Malaysia has barred Israeli passport holders without special approval for decades, given non-recognition of Israel. Trigger: investigation into alleged dual-citizenship Israelis participating in Network School, a digital-nomad community in Johor's Forest City founded by ex-Coinbase exec Balaji Srinivasan. Johor state government requested the probe after online promotional content drew scrutiny. Authorities are also reviewing the project's licensing, accommodation arrangements, and land use. Key distinction: this is enforcement on a specific case, not a policy shift.