Israeli official cancels Cyprus visit over French administrative measure

Hanamel Dorfman, chief of staff to Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, cancelled a planned trip to Cyprus approximately two weeks ago. Dorfman intended to participate in a rehabilitation program for Israeli police officers who experienced trauma following the October 7, 2023, attacks. Israeli security authorities coordinated the visit but were warned that France had imposed an administrative measure against Dorfman, which could lead to his denied entry into European countries. Officials were advised that there was a risk he could be refused entry and returned to Israel, resulting in the cancellation of his participation. Dorfman publicly criticized the French decision, labeling it a reaction to his association with Minister Ben Gvir and describing the friction as an honor. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Dorfman is expected to resign from his current post to run as a candidate for the Otzma Yehudit party in the upcoming Knesset elections. Under Israeli law, civil servants must step down before participating in parliamentary elections.