Bali gym expels three Israeli tourists over alleged military ties – VIDEO
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A popular gym on Indonesia’s Bali island has expelled three Israeli tourists over their alleged ties to the Israeli military, with footage of the confrontation going viral on social media
The incident reportedly took place this week at Ayenda Gym in Ubud, in Bali’s Gianyar Regency, where the gym’s 32-year-old owner, identified as Samir, was filmed ordering the three men to leave, Anadolu Agency reported
A gym owner in Bali, Indonesia has posted a video on social media explaining why he refused service to three Israeli tourists, before kicking them out of his gym in Ubud. pic.twitter.com/VIfOA4WX60
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 19, 2026
According to local news outlet Hey Bali, Samir confronted the tourists over their alleged service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and told them they were not welcome at his facility
“Are you serving in the IDF?” Samir is heard asking in the video before ordering the men to leave and saying he would not involve police
Samir also alleged that the tourists had entered Indonesia using a different passport
In a follow-up video addressing the incident, the gym owner said the confrontation began after one of the tourists allegedly behaved disrespectfully toward local staff
He said the dispute was not based on religion but on the tourists’ alleged military background and their treatment of Indonesian employees
“I said it was about Israelis and the IDF, not about religion. But they keep framing it as a religious issue,” Samir said
The gym owner added that his business maintains a policy of refusing service to people who disrespect local workers or have served in the Israeli military
The incident has drawn attention amid growing international criticism and boycott campaigns linked to Israel’s military operations in Gaza
Indonesia has no formal diplomatic relations with Israel and maintains stringent entry restrictions on Israeli passport holders. Jakarta has also consistently expressed strong support for the Palestinian cause and called for an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza
Bali, one of Indonesia’s biggest international tourism destinations, attracts millions of visitors each year and is particularly known for its wellness, hospitality and expatriate communities in areas such as Ubud
Local law enforcement officials are reportedly examining the incident
The confrontation has also reignited debate on social media over whether businesses should refuse service based on a customer’s nationality or alleged military affiliation, particularly as international tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict continue to affect tourism and public life
News.Az
