Netanyahu appoints adviser with Trump ties to lead ceasefire talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed a close confidant to lead negotiations for the second stage of the ceasefire with Hamas (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed a close confidant to lead negotiations for the second stage of the ceasefire with Hamas, an official said on Wednesday.

US-born Ron Dermer is a Cabinet minister who is widely seen as Mr Netanyahu’s closest adviser.