Malaysia threatens to immediately deport Israeli citizens

The statement was made after journalists questioned the prime minister about information that people with dual nationality, including Israeli, were in Johor, in the south of the country.

"We are investigating. We will not allow this. If Israeli citizens are identified, as we do not recognize Israel, they will be deported immediately," Anwar said, according to state news agency Bernama.

The prime minister confirmed that different security bodies are participating in the investigation into the possible presence of Israelis in Malaysian territory.

On Tuesday, the Johor regional government asked the Home Ministry and other authorities to investigate the operation of a school in Forest City, an area close to the border with Singapore and facing the Johor Straits.

According to Bernama, there are suspicions that Israeli citizens are linked to the institution, although it is not yet clear what their involvement would be.

The accusations emerged after posts on social media stated that foreigners with an Israeli passport and documents from other countries had tried to enter or stay in Malaysia.

Anwar, in office since November 2022, has frequently criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government over the Gaza offensive that began after Hamas attacks in October 2023.

Malaysia does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. The country, like Indonesia, adopts a foreign policy of support for the Palestinians.

According to the Malaysian Immigration Department, citizens of Israel and North Korea cannot apply for a visa to enter the country.

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