**Ben Gvir Aide Cancels Cyprus Visit Amid French Entry Restrictions**
Hanamel Dorfman, the chief of staff to Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, has canceled a planned trip to Cyprus due to potential entry restrictions imposed by France. The cancellation was reported by the Israeli newspaper Maariv on Wednesday, revealing that Dorfman was initially scheduled to travel to Cyprus approximately two weeks ago to take part in a rehabilitation program designed for Israeli police officers who had experienced trauma following the attacks on October 7, 2023.
Israeli security authorities coordinating the visit were alerted to an administrative measure enacted by France, which could hinder Dorfman's ability to enter European countries. Officials advised that there was a significant risk he could be denied entry and sent back to Israel, prompting the decision to cancel the trip.
In response to the situation, Dorfman expressed his discontent with the French decision, labeling it as an "honor" that France, which he referred to as "an anti-Semitic country," was attempting to impede his travel due to his close ties with Minister Ben Gvir. He stated, "This proves that I am on the right path. France will continue to protest, and I will continue to implement Minister Ben Gvir’s policy and serve Israel’s national interests."
The cancellation of Dorfman's visit comes at a time when he is reportedly considering a political shift, with Israeli media suggesting that he may resign from his position as Ben Gvir’s chief of staff to run as a candidate for the Otzma Yehudit party in the upcoming Knesset elections. Israeli civil service regulations prohibit officials from remaining in their positions while contesting elections.
Dorfman has previously garnered attention for his political affiliations and activities. Before his appointment in Ben Gvir's office, he was associated with the Hilltop Youth, a controversial extremist settler movement operating in the West Bank. His past actions have also raised eyebrows; he was filmed at his wedding in 2013, where guests were seen stabbing and burning images of Ali Dawabsheh, a Palestinian toddler who lost his life alongside his parents in a 2015 arson attack perpetrated by Israeli extremists. Ben Gvir, who represented individuals involved in that case as a lawyer prior to his political career, attended the wedding alongside other notable figures.
In a separate development, Israeli media have reported that investigators recently approached the national security ministry with an arrest warrant for Dorfman. This warrant is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that he attempted to influence inquiries related to violence committed by Jewish extremists. Reports indicate that Dorfman opted not to be arrested at that time, instead stating he would voluntarily appear for questioning.
The situation surrounding Dorfman highlights ongoing tensions and complexities within Israeli politics, particularly regarding the intersection of security, law enforcement, and extremist activities. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of these developments for both Dorfman and Minister Ben Gvir remain to be seen.