J.D. Vance Urges Netanyahu to "Give the Deal a Chance" as US Keeps Pressure High

US Vice President J.D. Vance met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel today, urging the Israeli leader to "give a chance" to the ongoing agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza and assisting with its implementation. Senior US and Israeli officials, who were briefed on the meeting, revealed details of the high-stakes diplomatic exchange.

During the meeting, Vance pressed Netanyahu: "Give the deal a chance and give us the time to make things happen."

According to sources privy to the conversation, Netanyahu responded positively, telling Vance that he was ready to give the deal an opportunity to succeed. "I also want to see the agreement succeed," the Prime Minister reportedly said. A senior American official who attended the meeting confirmed that Netanyahu demonstrated "openness" to Vance's core message: that the ceasefire must be maintained to successfully move forward with the next stages of the agreement.

Trump is "Pleased" as Coalition Holds

A separate American official close to President Donald Trump noted that the President is highly satisfied that "for the time being, the US is succeeding in keeping both sides on track" and that the agreement is holding.

Meanwhile, President Trump's envoys, Witkoff and Kushner, flew to Saudi Arabia last night for meetings with senior Saudi officials, and today continued to the United Arab Emirates for further discussions. In both countries, they discussed the upcoming stages of the complex deal.

A senior US official indicated that the American administration is actively seeking to galvanize economic, military, and political support from Arab states for two major initiatives: the proposed international force set to deploy in Gaza, and the Peace Council tasked with raising funds for the reconstruction of the Strip. Arab engagement and commitment are viewed as essential for the success of the overall strategy.

The "Day After" and Sovereignty

Earlier today, in a joint statement with Netanyahu, Vice President Vance stressed the challenges ahead. "There is a challenge to rebuild Gaza and ensure that Hamas does not pose a threat to Israel," Vance said, acknowledging that "there is still a lot of work to do."

Vance expressed optimism regarding the alliance, noting the US does not want a "client state," but a strong, stable ally in Israel. He suggested that the expansion of the Abraham Accords would allow for stability, which "hopefully will last." Addressing the flurry of visiting US officials, Vance stated he was "optimistic that the ceasefire will hold," adding, "What I have seen in the past few days shows that we are on an incredible path forward. This can be a model for other peace agreements in the world."

Prime Minister Netanyahu described the current time as "momentous days," adding that the US and Israel have a collaboration that includes "agreements, and also disagreements." He asserted that a strong Israel serves US interests, and that while discussing the "day after" with allies, "We decide Israel’s future for ourselves." When asked if Israel would permit Turkish forces to enter Gaza, Netanyahu was unequivocal: "Israel will decide its own security for itself."

Vance reiterated the deal’s core condition, stating that "Hamas must disarm." He warned: "If Hamas does not cooperate, as the US President said, it will be erased." Regarding the hostages, Vance explained that the return of bodies, even if difficult due to the "thousands of kilograms of rubble," is a focus, emphasizing that "it just means patience is required. It will take some time."