Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced his resignation from the government on Tuesday evening. Dermer, who had previously signaled his intention to step down on several occasions, confirmed that he will continue handling several sensitive assignments personally entrusted to him by Netanyahu.
Other responsibilities under his portfolio will be divided between the National Security Council and Israel's ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter. In particular, Leiter is expected to become the main point of contact between Jerusalem and Washington.
Full letter
"On the day I was sworn in as a minister, I promised my family that I would serve only two years. With their blessing, I extended my tenure twice: first, to work with you in removing the existential threat posed by Iran's military nuclear capabilities, and second, to bring the war in Gaza to an end on terms set by Israel, and to bring our hostages home.
"Now, as I conclude my service as minister for strategic affairs, I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve at your side over the past three years and for the trust you placed in me to handle some of the most consequential issues facing the State of Israel at this fateful time.
"This government will be remembered both for the October 7 attack and for its management of the ensuing two-year, seven-front war. October 7 was indeed the darkest day the Jewish people have known since the founding of the State of Israel. Yet the story of our ancient nation has never been defined by our darkest days, of which there have been many, but by our ability to persevere and overcome the darkness.
"That is the story of Israel since October 7. We rejected moral confusion and fear, and we faced our enemies with clarity and courage. Two years on, we have dealt a decisive blow to Iran's terror axis and now stand in a position of strength that can usher in a new era of security, prosperity, and peace. This was made possible by the courage of our soldiers, the determination of our people, and your unique leadership.
"Over the past three years, your experienced and steadfast leadership has been indispensable. Despite immense pressure both at home and abroad, you wisely navigated Israel through the war. You stood firm in defending the vital interests of the State of Israel when necessary and showed flexibility when those same interests required it. When the truth is revealed and the facts are fully known, I am confident that appreciation for your leadership will only grow.
"I thank my colleagues in the political and security echelons, past and present, who sat with me at the cabinet table throughout this long war. In the decades ahead, when the transcripts of our extensive and deep discussions are published, and when the political battles and media spin have faded, the people of Israel will know that in their darkest hour, they had worthy leaders focused on securing Israel's future.
"But even the most capable leadership depends on brave soldiers willing to fight for the defense of the homeland. I will forever be grateful to the many heroes who were wounded or gave their lives in this war, and I bow my head before the bereaved families.
"I thank the small but talented team at the Strategic Affairs Ministry, who showed great dedication and helped me carry out my duties successfully. I thank my family, especially my wife Rhoda, for the many sacrifices they have made over the past two decades, and even more so in the past three years, to allow me to serve the one and only Jewish state.
"Above all, I thank the Almighty. A hundred generations of Jews dreamed of living in an era when the Jewish people would have a sovereign state. Four generations have been blessed to see that dream realized. With that blessing comes a sacred responsibility: to safeguard the dream for generations to come. I feel deeply privileged to have served the State of Israel and to have dedicated myself to that noble responsibility.
"I do not know what the future holds, but one thing I know for certain: in whatever I do, I will continue to play my part in securing the future of the Jewish people. As I complete my service in government, my faith in that future could not be stronger. Many of the enemies who rejoiced at the atrocities of October 7 and vowed to extinguish the flame of the Jewish people have been destroyed, while the light of Israel shines brightly across the region and the world. I have no doubt that the eternal light of our people will continue to burn for generations to come."
As first reported by Israel Hayom, Dermer had decided months ago to retire from political life, according to senior government sources. Reports indicate that he reached his decision to leave the government even before the upcoming elections.
