Ex-Aide to Ben-Gvir Faces Legal Scrutiny Amid Political Ascent
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Hanamel Dorfman, former head of staff for National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, is running for Knesset on the Otzma Yehudit list. He faces ongoing investigations by the Police Internal Investigations Department for alleged influence peddling and information requests, with a recommendation for indictment pending a final decision.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hanamel Dorfman, ex-aide to Minister Ben-Gvir, is running for Knesset on Otzma Yehudit's list.
- Dorfman is under investigation for alleged influence peddling and information requests.
- Police Internal Investigations Department recommended his indictment, pending a hearing.
- He has a history of controversial statements and legal entanglements.
- Polls suggest Otzma Yehudit may win enough seats for Dorfman to enter the Knesset.
Hanamel Dorfman, former head of staff for National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, is slated to run for the Knesset in the upcoming elections as the seventh candidate on the Otzma Yehudit party list. This move follows his departure from Ben-Gvir's office in July 2026. Dorfman has been under investigation by the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) since February 2025, concerning alleged attempts to influence cases related to nationalist crime and requests for police and Shin Bet information. In April 2026, Mahash recommended indicting Dorfman, pending a hearing, a decision that has yet to be finalized by the Attorney General and State Prosecutor.
Dorfman, who previously served as Otzma Yehudit's legal advisor and coalition negotiator, has a history marked by controversy. He is the son-in-law of Benci Gopstein, founder of the Lehava organization, and has himself been subject to two administrative restraining orders. His past statements include controversial remarks about the Rabin assassination and support for policies advocating the conquest of Jordan. He also faced scrutiny over his employment status, with the Civil Service Commission noting in March 2023 that he was not a state employee despite signing official documents.
Further complicating his public profile, Dorfman was involved in a defamation lawsuit against Channel 13 and reporter Yossi Eli, which was later settled with the news outlet retracting its reports. He also faced allegations of improper conduct at a booth selling ritual items for Sukkot, including allowing a customer to hold his firearm. The investigation into his conduct has involved examining his phone, which reportedly contained tens of thousands of files and recordings, including communications with senior police officials.
Despite these legal and public challenges, Dorfman is positioned seventh on the Otzma Yehudit list, a spot that, according to polls at the time, could secure him a Knesset seat. His departure from Ben-Gvir's office was framed by the minister as a testament to his successful work, with Ben-Gvir recalling representing Dorfman as a young "hilltop youth" activist.
The article also details Dorfman's past statements, including his critical views of the state in his youth, his distrust of the Shin Bet, and his strong stances on security matters, such as advocating for live fire against rock-throwing assailants. His political career has been closely tied to Ben-Gvir's, with Dorfman serving in key roles within the ministry and the party.