Former Minister Ron Dermer said Monday that Israeli intelligence located all fallen abductees held by Hamas, contrary to initial assessments that some bodies would never be found. Speaking at the IsraelICC conference, Dermer also stated that Israel is '3/4 of the way to victory' over Hamas and declared that 'Israel will not allow Hamas to remain in Gaza.'
Former Minister Ron Dermer, speaking at the IsraelICC conference on Monday evening, made a series of statements on the war against Hamas and the status of fallen abductees. According to Dermer, the security establishment initially estimated that approximately six fallen abductees held by Hamas would never be found — a reference to the 'Ron Arad' scenario. Even at an advanced stage, assessments suggested 2-3 bodies would remain unrecovered. However, Dermer stated that 'thanks to intelligence, we succeeded in locating all the fallen abductees.'
On the broader war effort, Dermer assessed that Israel is '3/4 of the way to victory' over Hamas, with a quarter of the work remaining. He expressed hope that the work of the Peace Council would help achieve the remaining goals. He also declared unequivocally: 'Israel will not allow Hamas to remain in Gaza.'
Dermer, a former Israeli ambassador to the United States and strategic affairs minister, is considered a close confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His remarks come amid ongoing debate within Israel over the war's objectives and the feasibility of completely dismantling Hamas. The claim that all fallen abductees have been located, if confirmed, would represent a significant intelligence achievement.
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