Dermer’s departure creating vacuum that’s impacting US-Israel ties — report |
A growing vacuum has reportedly been felt in US-Israel relations following the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s top aide, former strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, last month.
His absence is particularly felt as the sides prepare for a planned meeting between Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump in Florida on December 29, Channel 12 reported on Friday, citing unnamed US and Israeli officials.
The network described Dermer as an “institution” in Washington who was widely known and respected across the political spectrum, adding that his role is impossible to fill by any other official currently in Netanyahu’s circle.
Trump’s top aides have resorted to calling Netanyahu directly several times a week, as they don’t feel comfortable working with the premier’s aides, Channel 12 reported.
The US-born Dermer was seen as Netanyahu’s closest adviser and had been handling a wide range of diplomatic issues, including ties with Washington, the hostage negotiations........