Israel’s Gaza ceasefire negotiator Dermer resigns from cabinet

Darwin, 13 November-

Ron Dermer, Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs and the lead negotiator in the Gaza ceasefire talks, has announced his resignation. He made the announcement after the return of Israeli hostages from Palestinian territory.

The news was reported by AFP from Jerusalem.

A close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Dermer played a key role for several months in negotiations that led to the October 10 Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.

In his resignation letter posted on social media platform X on Tuesday night, Dermer wrote:

“This government will be defined by the events of October 7 and the subsequent two years of war.”

He added,

“Two years later, we have dealt a devastating blow to Iran’s terrorist axis and now stand in a strong position at the dawn of an era of security, prosperity, and peace.”

Dermer described October 7, 2023, as “the darkest day for the Jewish people since the establishment of Israel in 1948.”

He continued,

“I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I do know this: whatever I do, I will continue to play my part in securing the Jewish future.”

Dermer did not mention in his letter whether he would continue as a lead negotiator in the ongoing second phase of ceasefire discussions.

In a statement on X, Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Dermer for his “extraordinary service” to the State of Israel, writing,

“I am certain you still have much more to contribute in the future.”

Following the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire, Hamas released 20 living hostages and returned the bodies of 24 deceased captives. The remains of four others have not yet been returned.