Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs and head of hostage negotiations, Ron Dermer, submitted his letter of resignation to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.
In the text, Dermer recalls having extended his mandate twice: “The first, to collaborate in eliminating the existential threat posed by Iran’s military nuclear capabilities, and the second, to end the war in Gaza under the terms established by Israel” and for the return of the hostages. Israel is now in a “victorious position that can usher in a new era of security, prosperity and peace,” he adds.
Dermer also praises Netanyahu’s work following the attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, in which the militia kidnapped 251 people in Israel and killed 1,200, as well as the subsequent offensive undertaken by the Israeli government against Gaza, which left more than 69,100 dead in the enclave.
The now resigned minister is considered one of the prime minister’s closest advisors. He handled important diplomatic issues, including relations with the United States, hostage negotiations during the Gaza war, and Israel’s relations with its Arab neighbors.
The Israeli newspaper reports it The times of Israelsome of his responsibilities will be assumed by Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter. However, the media add, Dermer – born in Florida and who also served as ambassador to the North American country – will continue to be involved in efforts to expand the Abraham Accords and will sometimes act as Netanyahu’s special envoy.
