Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who played a leading role in negotiations during the Gaza war, has resigned as Israeli strategic affairs minister.
Mr Dermer was one of Mr Netanyahu's most trusted advisers, helping to negotiate the October ceasefire in Gaza with both the US and Arab countries.
Israeli media cited sources as saying he will remain involved in certain issues, such as efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, and will operate as a special envoy for Mr Netanyahu.
“I am writing to inform you of my decision to end my position as minister for strategic affairs,” Mr Dermer wrote in a letter to Mr Netanyahu.
His departure follows weeks of speculation about his future and marks the end of a tenure that began in late 2022, when he was tapped for the post after years as Israel's ambassador to Washington.
He was ambassador to the US from 2013 to 2021. His service there overlapped with President Donald Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021.
US-born Mr Dermer wrote that when he became minister of strategic affairs, he promised his family he would serve no more than two years and twice he extended it with their blessing.
He said the first time was to work with Mr Netanyahu to remove the existential threat of Iran's military nuclear capability in June, while the second was to negotiate the Gaza ceasefire and return of Israel's hostages.
“What I am to expect in the future I don't know but one thing I know for sure: In all that I will do, I will continue to do my part to secure the future of the Jewish people,” he wrote.
