Ron Dermer (born Ronald Dermer on April 16, 1971, in Miami Beach, Florida) is an American-born Israeli diplomat, politician, and former journalist renowned for his pivotal role in shaping Israel's foreign policy, particularly its relations with the United States. He served as Israel's Ambassador to the United States from 2013 to 2021 and has held the position again since 2023. Dermer is a close confidante, advisor, and key strategist in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inner circle, often described as Netanyahu's closest advisor on U.S. affairs. He immigrated to Israel from the United States, becoming a dual citizen. Dermer earned a bachelor's degree in finance and management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1993 and another bachelor's in philosophy, politics, and economics from Oxford University in 1997. Early in his career, he worked in Washington, D.C., with pollster Frank Luntz on political strategy, including contributions to the 1994 Republican 'Contract with America,' and later moved to Israel, where he became a speechwriter and advisor to Netanyahu, editing notable op-eds such as one by former Prime Minister Ehud Barak. As Ambassador, his tenure focused on strengthening U.S.-Israel bilateral relations and alliances, securing U.S. military aid including for the Iron Dome system, and leveraging his deep ties to American pro-Israel networks. He played a key role in negotiating major agreements like the Abraham Accords and influencing U.S. policy during multiple administrations, with close coordination with the Trump administration on issues like moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing the Golan Heights. Returning to Israel after his initial ambassadorship, Dermer took on domestic roles, including serving as Minister of Strategic Affairs from 2022 to 2025 and head of negotiations for hostages' release in 2025 amid ongoing conflicts. He has been involved in conservative media circles, authoring articles for The Wall Street Journal and appearing on shows hosted by Sean Hannity and Hugh Hewitt, and maintains affiliations with pro-Israel organizations like AIPAC. Dermer has been criticized for his hardline views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, once dismissing the two-state solution as 'childish,' and has faced criticism from progressive groups like J Street and figures like Rashida Tlaib. Allegations of hidden ties to the Adelson Family Foundation as an intermediary have surfaced in investigative reports, though unproven, raising questions about influence networks in U.S.-Israel lobbying. Dermer's work has been pivotal in shaping Israel's foreign policy, particularly in leveraging U.S. political support, but he has faced controversy for his role in polarizing U.S. discourse on Israel.