Netanyahu’s Ally Ron Dermer Resigns as Strategic Affairs Minister

Netanyahu’s Ally Ron Dermer Resigns as Strategic Affairs Minister

London-UK, November 13, 2025

Close Netanyahu Ally Ron Dermer Resigns as Strategic Affairs Minister

A significant shift in Israeli politics has occurred with the resignation of Ron Dermer as Strategic Affairs Minister, a close Netanyahu ally and one of the Prime Minister’s most trusted confidants. 

Dermer, often dubbed “Bibi’s Brain” for his deep influence on policy and strategy, announced his departure on Tuesday, marking the end of a pivotal tenure defined by intense diplomatic maneuvering during the Gaza war and negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. 

While the Strategic Affairs Minister cited a desire to return to his family after extending his term twice, his resignation comes at a politically sensitive time, generating intense speculation about the stability of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s inner circle and the future of his diplomatic strategy.

Headline Points: The Reasons and Implications of Dermer’s Exit

Official Reason for Resignation: 

Dermer stated in his resignation letter that he had promised his family he would serve only two years upon taking the post in December 2022. He subsequently extended his term twice with their blessing.

Key Extended Commitments: 

The two extensions were made, according to Dermer, to first focus on “removing the existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear military capabilities” and second, to “negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza… and bring our hostages home.”

Central Role in Negotiations: 

The outgoing Minister played an instrumental role as the lead Israeli negotiator for the October ceasefire deal with Hamas, working closely with the US and Arab countries.

Netanyahu’s Confidant: 

Dermer is widely regarded as one of Netanyahu’s closest and most influential advisors, having previously served as the Israeli Ambassador to the United States from 2013 to 2021.

Future Role: 

While stepping down from the ministerial position, sources indicate Dermer will remain involved in certain strategic issues, potentially operating as a special envoy for Netanyahu, particularly concerning the expansion of the Abraham Accords.

Strategic Affairs Ministry’s Focus: 

The Strategic Affairs Ministry is primarily tasked with leading diplomatic campaigns, particularly concerning sensitive national security threats like Iran, and managing key international relationships, including those with the White House and Arab normalization partners.

Dermer’s Pivotal Role in a Defining Era

Ron Dermer’s time as Strategic Affairs Minister coincided with one of the most tumultuous periods in Israeli history, making his resignation particularly noteworthy.

Upon taking office in late 2022, the former Ambassador to the US became the key liaison between Prime Minister Netanyahu and the American administration, working to mend ties that had been strained during previous administrations. 

His US-born background and deep understanding of American politics made him indispensable for managing the vital strategic relationship.

In his resignation letter, Dermer reflected on his tenure, stating that the current government will be remembered for “both the attack on October 7th and by the prosecution of the multifront war that followed.” 

He used his post to spearhead the Israeli government’s public diplomacy efforts (Hasbara) on the global stage, arguing Israel’s case against Hamas and Iran’s proxies.

His most high-profile and recent assignment was leading the Israeli team in the intense negotiations for the October ceasefire and the exchange of hostages held in Gaza. This role drew both praise for his diplomatic skill and criticism from those who lacked confidence in his non-military background for such a critical task.

Nevertheless, the successful conclusion of that deal marks a significant, albeit politically complicated, achievement that he pointed to as a reason for his second tenure extension.

The Official Versus the Political Narrative

While Dermer publicly cited familial commitments—a common explanation for high-level departures—speculation in the Israeli media had preceded his announcement for several weeks. Critics have suggested that the political pressure and the lack of a clear exit strategy from the ongoing conflicts may have contributed to his decision.

However, the official narrative of a planned departure appears credible. Dermer is a deeply loyal Netanyahu ally with no independent political base in Israel (he holds no Knesset seat).

His value to the Prime Minister lies in his strategic counsel and diplomatic connectivity, particularly in Washington, D.C. His letter of resignation was highly complimentary of Netanyahu’s “unique leadership” and “determination,” suggesting the break is personal and not a political dissent from the government’s strategy.

Furthermore, sources familiar with the matter confirmed that Dermer will continue to serve Netanyahu as a special envoy, focusing on key foreign policy initiatives.

This new, less formal, but still influential role would allow him to reduce his administrative burden while remaining strategically vital to the Prime Minister—a move likened by some analysts to the role played by US officials like Jared Kushner.

The continued need to manage the delicate expansion of the Abraham Accords, a policy area where Dermer was instrumental, will likely be his immediate focus outside the cabinet.

The Future of the Strategic Affairs Ministry

The resignation creates a vacuum in the pivotal Strategic Affairs Ministry. While Netanyahu has yet to name a successor, the department’s responsibilities—including countering the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, managing relations with the White House, and addressing the Iranian nuclear threat—remain critically important.

The Prime Minister’s selection will be closely scrutinized, as it will signal whether he intends to shift the ministry’s emphasis from high-level diplomatic outreach (Dermer’s strength) to a more internal, public-facing, or security-focused mandate.

The exit of such a close Netanyahu ally removes a significant anchor from the cabinet, forcing Netanyahu to rely more heavily on his remaining trusted ministers to navigate the ongoing regional and international crises.