Hanamel Dorfman, Former Chief of Staff to Ben Gvir, Set to Enter Knesset

Hanamel Dorfman, formerly the chief of staff to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and a powerful figure within the Otzma Yehudit party, is set to enter the Knesset as a member of parliament. Having managed coalition negotiations and shaped policy regarding the police and prison services behind the scenes, Dorfman is now stepping into the parliamentary spotlight, where he is expected to exert direct influence over legislation in the fields of law and security.

Alongside his political preparations, Dorfman recently sparked widespread public discussion on social media following a striking visual change: the removal of the long sidelocks he wore for years. In an interview in the Knesset corridors, he addressed the question directly.

"The truth is that for a long time I wanted to cut them off," Dorfman shared candidly. "I told myself I would take care of it after finishing my term. So I finished my role as chief of staff and took care of it." At the same time, he was quick to emphasize that the outward change does not signal a shift in his worldview: "But do not worry, I remained the same person, my views have not changed, and my path has not changed."

Reflecting on his personal evolution, Dorfman noted that he left his earlier years behind long ago. "It is true that today I am no longer part of the hill youth, and have not been for many years. I became a lawyer and later served as chief of staff. I deeply appreciate what the hill youth do, but I am no longer part of that group."

Addressing criticism directed at him and his faction, Dorfman stated: "One can see the reactions on social networks—they continue to hate us and curse us, but they know we have remained on the right path." As he prepares for his swearing-in, Dorfman transitions from backstage strategist to an active public representative in the Knesset committees and plenum.