Key facts
- Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that any Israelis found in the country will be deported immediately.
- Authorities are investigating allegations that Israelis joined the Network School, a digital nomad community in Johor.
- The investigation was prompted by social media claims of Israeli citizens entering Malaysia using non-Israeli passports.
- Network School is described as a community for 'frontier techno-optimists' aiming to create physical start-up societies.
- The chief minister of Johor ordered a thorough investigation into the project's participants and activities.
- Malaysian immigration authorities have checked 266 foreign nationals from 40 countries linked to the Forest City community.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has declared that any Israeli nationals found within the country will be deported immediately, as authorities investigate allegations concerning the Network School, a digital nomad community in the state of Johor. The probe was initiated following social media claims that Israeli citizens, potentially using dual nationality and non-Israeli passports, had joined the community. Network School, founded by former Coinbase CTO Balaji Srinivasan, is described as a 'frontier community of techno-optimists' aiming to establish physical start-up societies. The chief minister of Johor has directed ministries to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the identities, documents, and activities of those involved. While Malaysian immigration authorities have examined 266 foreign nationals from 40 countries linked to the Forest City development where the community is located, finding all to possess valid documents, the investigation into potential Israeli involvement continues. Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, does not recognize Israel and typically bars Israeli passport holders from entry.