ISRAEL’S STRATEGIC AFFAIRS MINISTER RESIGNS AFTER GAZA HOSTAGE RELEASE

Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer has announced his resignation following the successful return of hostages from Gaza.
Dermer, a close aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, led months of negotiations that culminated in the October 10 ceasefire and hostage exchange deal. In his resignation letter, posted on X late Tuesday he stated the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack was the “darkest day” for the Jewish people since Israel’s founding and highlighted Israel’s efforts against Iran’s terror networks.
Dermer, who has served as strategic affairs minister since 2022, praised Netanyahu’s leadership and expressed uncertainty about his future role in ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Netanyahu hailed Dermer for his contributions, while Israelis across the political spectrum continue to debate calls for an inquiry into the government’s failure to prevent the deadly October 7 attack. Since the ceasefire, Hamas has returned all 20 living hostages and the remains of 24 deceased captives, with four bodies still missing.