US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Israel today as part of the Trump administration’s diplomatic push to strengthen the fragile Gaza ceasefire agreement and advance discussions toward a permanent resolution to the conflict with Hamas. His visit follows a weekend escalation that threatened to derail the 12-day truce. Vance is expected to urge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin talks on long-term arrangements under President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. The proposal includes establishing an interim administration in Gaza, deploying an international stabilization force, withdrawing Israeli troops, and ensuring the disarmament of Hamas. Israel has maintained it will not take part in further negotiations until Hamas returns the bodies of deceased hostages still held in the enclave. Officials say the second phase of the US plan aims to shift focus from emergency measures to political and security arrangements that can sustain peace in the long term. 

Vance’s visit also seeks to maintain diplomatic momentum as international mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, work to prevent further violations.With tensions high and humanitarian needs mounting in Gaza, Washington’s engagement is viewed as critical in preserving a ceasefire that many fear could unravel without sustained oversight.