Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, who led negotiations for the Gaza ceasefire, has announced his resignation following the return of hostages held in the Palestinian territory.
Dermer, a close confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, played a central role in months of high-stakes talks that led to the ceasefire and hostage exchange deal which took effect on October 10.
“This government will be defined both by the attack on October 7 and by the prosecution of the two-year war that followed,” Dermer wrote in his resignation letter, posted on X late Tuesday.
He described the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack as “the darkest day for the Jewish people since Israel’s founding in 1948,” adding that the subsequent military campaign had dealt “a devastating blow to Iran’s terror axis.”
“Two years later, we are powerfully positioned to usher in an age of security, prosperity and peace,” he said. “No matter what I do, I will continue to do my part to help secure the Jewish future.”
Dermer, 54, did not clarify whether he would continue serving as chief negotiator in ongoing efforts to reach a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Dermer on X for his “tremendous help to me and to the State of Israel,” adding, “I am sure you have much more to contribute in the future.”
In his letter, Dermer praised Netanyahu’s “experience and strong leadership” throughout the war, expressing confidence that “when the truth comes out, appreciation for your leadership will be even greater.”
Public pressure has mounted in Israel for an independent inquiry into the government’s failure to prevent the October 7 Hamas attacks, which left more than 1,200 Israelis dead and sparked the war in Gaza. Netanyahu’s government has resisted such calls, saying an inquiry can only take place after the conflict ends.
A Miami Beach native, Dermer has served as Minister for Strategic Affairs since 2022. A former Israeli ambassador to the United States, he was appointed by Netanyahu in February to head the Gaza truce negotiations. His selection drew criticism due to his lack of military experience, limited engagement with Hebrew-language media, and what some described as his detachment from Israeli society.
Since the ceasefire took effect, Hamas has released all 20 living hostages and returned the remains of 24 others, while the bodies of four captives are still yet to be recovered.
AFP
