Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer recently visited the United Arab Emirates to discuss Gaza amid renewed efforts toward a ceasefire in the enclave, the Kan public broadcaster reports.
Dermer, a close confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, took the helm of Israel’s negotiating team in truce talks earlier this year. Mediators have been pushing for a pause in the fighting since Israel decided earlier this month to embark on an invasion of Gaza City.
On Monday, Hamas said it had accepted the latest draft of a 60-day ceasefire agreement that would see the release of 10 living Israeli hostages. Israeli officials confirmed that they had received the terror group’s proposal, but indicated that Israel seeks a comprehensive deal to end the war.
Dermer took the secret trip with a high-level delegation, the Kan report says. He met with Emirati officials and, alongside Gaza, discussed security and diplomatic affairs.
His office had no comment, Kan says. Dermer has reportedly indicated that he seeks to retire before the next election, which is due to take place next year.
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