Netanyahu Aide Ron Dermer Steps Down With Hostages Released

Ron Dermer, Israel’s minister of strategic affairs and close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced he is stepping down from the cabinet weeks after helping secure the release of most Israeli hostages as part of a ceasefire with Hamas.

He’s expected to continue to play a behind-the-scenes role in key issues, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named in discussing internal matters. In thanking him for his service, Netanyahu said Dermer has “much more to contribute in the future.”