The US Vice President made the comments at a joint press conference after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He emphasized that the ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip pushed forward by US President Donald Trump could also pave the way for Israel’s broader alliances in the Middle East.
Vance said he considers the agreement to be “an essential element” in expanding the Abraham Accords. With the agreements initiated by US President Donald Trump during his first term in office, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco, among others, normalized their relations with Israel.
Netanyahu expressed confidence in the challenges Vance outlined. “We’re creating an incredible ‘day after’ with a whole new vision of how to build a civilian government, how to provide security there and who could provide that security there,” he said. It “won’t be easy,” Netanyahu said, adding: “But I think it’s possible.”
Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday for a three-day visit. His trip is marked by increased US efforts to secure the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into force on October 10th based on Trump’s peace plan. On Sunday, however, Israel and Hamas accused each other of violating the ceasefire. However, both sides emphasized that they would continue to commit to the ceasefire.
Vance was optimistic about the continued existence of the ceasefire on Tuesday. “We are on a very good path,” he said. “I think everyone should be proud of where we are today.”
