Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer intends to leave politics in the coming months, senior government sources told Israel Hayom Monday. According to reports, Dermer decided to resign from the government before the next elections, though he has yet to set an exact date. Senior officials say that after the goal of removing the Iranian nuclear threat was achieved, he began to consider ending his political career and has recently begun speaking of it openly.
Political sources told Israel Hayom Dermer has not yet made a final decision on the timing of his departure and may remain in office for several short-term diplomatic initiatives before stepping down. His resignation may also take place sooner.
Dermer, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, never ran in the Likud primaries and was appointed strategic affairs minister and de facto liaison to the US through Netanyahu's personal selection. He also serves as a member of the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet and is a regular participant in its smaller forum that makes strategic decisions on the continuation of the war.
A former Israeli ambassador to the US, Dermer was one of Netanyahu's senior envoys in laying the groundwork for the Abraham Accords and in recent years focused on countering the Iranian nuclear program. In February, Netanyahu also tasked him with leading the team negotiating the return of the hostages.
Because of that latest role, Dermer has become a more public figure and was often the target of direct criticism whenever a deal to free the hostages failed to materialize, even when the sole obstacle was Hamas' refusal. His upcoming resignation may also reflect the difficulty of handling this part of his role, along with the expectation of early elections after the summer recess and the dissolution of the Knesset.
Nonetheless, over the years Dermer has mainly served as Netanyahu's adviser, a position he may continue to hold even after leaving the government.
Known for avoiding the media spotlight despite holding such a senior position, Dermer has become one of the government's most influential figures, managing the war effort, the hostage negotiations, and direct ties with the White House.
Throughout the current war, Dermer has been Netanyahu's closest confidant, with a level of access and influence unmatched by any other minister or adviser. His positions often provide insight into Netanyahu's own thinking.
In rare recent interviews with US media, Dermer made clear how he envisions ending the war: without the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and without Hamas as a governing or armed force.
