Vance Visits Israel to Shore Up Ceasefire

Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance arrived at Ben Gurion Airport to shore up a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, meeting U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and planning talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. Their visit follows recent Israeli strikes that Netanyahu said responded to a ceasefire breach after two Israeli soldiers were killed, and temporary halts to aid shipments amid mutual accusations of violations. On the ground, Israeli forces have begun marking a withdrawal “yellow line” inside Gaza; unclear demarcation and reported shootings and tank fire have caused Palestinian casualties and heightened tensions. Israel confirmed the release and identification of a hostage’s body, U.S. envoys have met several released hostages, and Hamas’ chief negotiator says the group remains committed to implementing the truce. The U.S. has dispatched top negotiators and military experts to mediate and monitor the agreement as Washington seeks to preserve the ceasefire and broader peace efforts.