Netanyahu's government loses key adviser as Ron Dermer announces resignation
Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Getty Images)
A close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ron Dermer, has announced his resignation following the successful completion of negotiations for the release of hostages, according to Bloomberg.
Ron Dermer, who led the Israeli team in negotiations over hostages taken by Hamas following the attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has announced his resignation.
In his resignation statement, Dermer said he was stepping down to fulfill a personal promise to his family, while also emphasizing the significance of the two years of war and the joint efforts of Israel and the United States to strengthen the country’s security. He wrote that the government would be defined both by the October 7 attacks and by the two-year war on seven fronts that followed.
Dermer headed the Ministry of Strategic Affairs without running for office, an unusual move in Israeli politics. The ministry itself was revived specifically for him after previously being shut down.
Who is Ron Dermer
Born in the United States, the 54-year-old became one of Israel’s most prominent political figures. He has served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s adviser on economic and strategic affairs since 2003.
Before his ministerial appointment, Dermer spent over seven years as Israel’s ambassador to the United States and previously worked as an economic adviser in Washington. In that role, he acted as a key mediator on critical bilateral issues between the US and Israel, including security operations.
Although Dermer’s work was credited with success in securing the release of hostages, in recent months, he faced public criticism. Opposition figures and the families of hostages accused him of not doing enough to ensure their safe return.
His resignation marks the final stage of the hostage negotiations, which concluded last month following the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
Peace agreement and body exchange
On October 13, US President Donald Trump signed a peace agreement with three Middle Eastern leaders regarding the Gaza Strip. Under the deal, Hamas pledged to release all hostages captured since 2023 and to hand over to Israel the bodies of those who died in captivity.
