Head of Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Staff Cancels Europe Trip Over Deportation Fears

About two weeks ago, Hanamel Dorfman, chief of staff to Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, planned to travel to Cyprus to visit a rehabilitation workshop for police officers involved in the October 7 operations who witnessed traumatic events and lost close colleagues. Due to his role as Ben-Gvir’s deputy chief of staff, Dorfman required prior coordination with relevant Israeli security agencies for the trip. However, Israeli security officials were informed that France had initiated an administrative measure against Dorfman, which could lead to immediate deportation if he entered European countries, or potentially harsher actions in Schengen member states. As a result, Dorfman canceled the flight. Dorfman, who is stepping down to run for the Knesset, responded by saying, "It is an honor that an anti-Semitic country like France tries to harm me because of my closeness to Minister Ben-Gvir. This only proves I am on the right path. France will continue to complain, and I will continue to implement Minister Ben-Gvir’s policies and act for Israel’s national interests."