Breaking: Minister Ron Dermer Resigns "This Government Will be Remembered for October 7th"

Ron Dermer, Israel's Minister of Strategic Affairs and one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's closest confidants, officially submitted his resignation on Tuesday. Dermer cited a personal commitment to his family to serve only for two years, a term he extended twice due to national security crises.

In his resignation letter to Netanyahu, Dermer made a candid assessment of the current administration’s legacy, stating: "This government will be remembered both for the attack of October 7 and for the management of the two-year, seven-front war that followed."

Personal Promise and Wartime Extensions

Dermer explained that his tenure, originally intended to be limited to two years, was extended twice with his family’s consent to address critical national security challenges.

He detailed the reasons for his extensions: “I extended my term twice, with their blessing. The first time in order to work together with you to remove the existential threat posed by Iran's military nuclear capabilities, and the second time in order to end the war in Gaza on the conditions set by Israel, and to bring our hostages home.”

The Minister's resignation, an "official" confirmation following reports of his planned departure in late September, creates a significant void in the government's strategic and diplomatic ranks.

Reflecting on October 7 and the Future

Addressing the trauma of the October 7 massacre, Dermer offered a philosophical perspective on the nation's ability to overcome adversity. He acknowledged the attack as the “darkest day the Jewish people have known since the establishment of the State of Israel,” but offered a message of enduring hope.

He wrote: “The story of our ancient people has never been defined by our dark days, of which there have been countless, but by our ability to persevere and overcome the darkness.”

Dermer, who has long served as Israel’s principal link and manager of the relationship with the US Administration, a duty traditionally reserved for the Prime Minister rather than the Foreign Ministry, thanked Netanyahu for the opportunity to serve “in the most significant issues facing the State of Israel at this fateful hour.”

Regarding his future, Dermer concluded: “I do not know what the future holds, but I know that I will continue to do my part to ensure the future of the Jewish people.” Speculation remains as to whether parts of his crucial portfolio, particularly the high-level communications with Washington, will now pass to Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

Tributes Across the Aisle

Dermer’s departure drew praise from across the Israeli political spectrum.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid extended his well wishes, stating: “I had, and still have, many disagreements with Ron Dermer, but I have never doubted that he is a Zionist and a patriot who wants the best for the state. I thank him and wish him success in his continued path.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also offered thanks, calling Dermer “absolutely the right man in the right place” and stressing his deep gratitude for their joint work: “The people of Israel owe you deep appreciation and I have no doubt that in any role you choose, the people of Israel and the future of the State of Israel will always be before your eyes.”