Netanyahu picks advisor with Trump ties to lead ceasefire negotiations

According to an Israeli official, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has picked a close confidant to lead talks for stage two of the ceasefire with Hamas, Arab News via AFP reported on February 19th.

Born in the US, Ron Dermer is a Cabinet minister who is broadly regarded to be Netanyahu’s closest adviser. Dermer was previously the Israeli ambassador to the US and was also previously a Republican activist with strong connections to the Trump White House.

Hamas and Israel have not yet negotiated phase two of the ceasefire, which is reportedly more difficult than the former. The first phase will end early next month.

Arab News via AFP