Netanyahu loses key ally as Ron Dermer resigns

Close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ron Dermer, has announced his resignation following the successful conclusion of negotiations for the release of hostages.

According to Bloomberg, Dermer led the Israeli team negotiating the fate of hostages taken by Hamas after the attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.

In his resignation statement, Dermer said he was stepping down to honour a promise to his family and highlighted the significance of the two-year war and the joint efforts of Israel and the United States to strengthen the country’s security. He noted that the government will be defined both by the 7 October attack and the subsequent two-year conflict on seven fronts.

Dermer headed the Ministry of Strategic Affairs without prior election—a rare move in Israeli politics. The ministry was reinstated specifically for him after it had previously been dissolved.

By Vugar Khalilov