Hanamel Dorfman Leaves Role to Run for Knesset with Otzma Yehudit

Hanamel Dorfman, chief of staff to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, is set to resign from his position this week to run for the Knesset on the Otzma Yehudit party list in the upcoming elections. Dorfman, considered one of Ben-Gvir's closest aides and a key figure in his circle, has recently decided to enter politics after some deliberation. During his tenure, he gained significant influence within public service and law enforcement.

Dorfman has a controversial past, having been investigated on suspicion of attempting to influence police investigators in the Judea and Samaria district. He was also involved in a case where he reportedly opposed the confiscation of a weapon from a settler who fired at Palestinians. The investigation included evidence obtained by the Police Investigations Department (Mahash) after they managed to hack into Dorfman's phone, uncovering thousands of audio files implicating both Dorfman and the Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yakobi.

Initially, Dorfman did not comply with summonses to appear for questioning and was unresponsive to phone calls, leading Mahash to request an arrest warrant from the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court. Eventually, Dorfman appeared for interrogation but, following his lawyer Ariel Atri's advice, exercised his right to remain silent. Despite these legal challenges, Dorfman is now poised to become a significant political figure alongside Ben-Gvir in the Knesset.

The move marks a notable shift for Dorfman from a behind-the-scenes operative to a public political candidate, aligning with the far-right Otzma Yehudit party. His candidacy is expected to strengthen the party's presence in the upcoming elections.