US Vice President JD Vance landed in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The visit, part of a high-level diplomatic effort, responds to Washington's interest in keeping the agreement in force and avoiding a resurgence of hostilities.
Vance, accompanied by second lady Usha Vance, was greeted at Ben Gurion Airport by Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin.
U.S. government sources said the agenda includes meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, as well as a trip to southern Israel to visit the operations center of the international force that will oversee the truce.
The US vice president's trip comes in parallel with the presence in Israel of other senior officials from the Donald Trump administration.
Special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, held prior meetings with the Israeli leadership focused on mechanisms to consolidate the truce.
According to Israeli sources, the conversation between Netanyahu, Witkoff, and Kushner was described internally as"very good," with no photographs or public statements released after the meeting.
In Washington, concerns are growing about the sustainability of the truce. US media reported that parts of the US administration fear that Netanyahu could decide to break the ceasefire and resume the military offensive in Gaza. US officials, who asked not to be identified, stated that Vance's mission and the US delegation seek to"pressure Israel to respect the agreement" and prevent a collapse of the peace agreement.
The agreement itself stipulates the return of all hostages held by Hamas, both alive and dead, as one of its central conditions.
Regarding the “difficulties” reported by Hamas in locating the bodies of 15 dead hostages, the United States is negotiating with Türkiye to send a team specialized in the recovery of remains in conflict zones.
Following the arrival of the US delegation, Israeli police implemented a massive special security operation. Authorities announced closures of major roads and blockades at access points to Jerusalem, especially in the vicinity of government buildings and the Old City.
The implementation of the truce, reached after two years of fighting, remains fragile. Israel has accused Hamas of obstructing the return of hostage bodies and reported episodes of violence in the Strip.
Israeli officials expressed concern, but noted that in the last meeting with US envoys, both sides"clearly outlined their agreements and there were no disagreements," a local official said.
From Tel Aviv, the multinational command is preparing to ensure a cessation of hostilities and respond to possible changes in the local situation.
Washington maintains its position of support for the truce, and, according to Vance's aides, the vice president"insists on the need to maintain peace on the ground."
The international community remains attentive to the progress of the talks as contacts continue to be made to prevent the pact from being threatened. The next 48 hours will be decisive in the balance between diplomatic pressure and the stability agreed upon after two years of war in Gaza.
