Vance Reaffirms Israel’s Autonomy During Gaza Ceasefire Talks with Netanyahu

U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, reaffirming Washington’s support for Israel’s sovereignty and rejecting claims that the United States is dictating policy to its Middle Eastern ally. The visit comes amid efforts to sustain a fragile Gaza ceasefire agreement and advance discussions on postwar governance in the territory.

Vance’s remarks sought to reassure Israeli leaders and the public that the Trump administration views Israel as an equal partner rather than a subordinate in regional affairs.

Vance: ‘We Want an Ally, Not a Vassal State’

Standing alongside Netanyahu, Vance directly addressed concerns raised by some Israeli commentators that U.S. pressure over the ceasefire might limit Israel’s decision-making.

“We don’t want in Israel a vassal state, and that’s not what Israel is. We want a partnership; we want an ally,” Vance said in response to a reporter’s question about whether U.S. involvement risks turning Israel into a protectorate.

Netanyahu echoed that sentiment while acknowledging that policy differences are inevitable between allies.

“One week they say Israel controls the United States. The next week they say the United States controls Israel. This is nonsense,” Netanyahu said. “We share common values, common goals, and a deep alliance that serves both nations.”

Concerns Over Gaza Security Force

One of Israel’s primary concerns centers on the international security force envisioned in the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. The proposal, backed by Washington, would involve multinational troops providing security in the Palestinian territory — a plan some Israeli officials fear could limit their military’s operational freedom.

Vance acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing that long-term peace will require cooperation and trust.

“We have a very tough task ahead — disarming Hamas while rebuilding Gaza to improve the lives of civilians,” he said. “We must ensure Hamas is no longer a threat to our friends in Israel. That’s not easy, but I’m optimistic about where we are.”

The ceasefire, now just under two weeks old, remains fragile as negotiations continue over reconstruction aid and security arrangements.

U.S. Delegation Meets Israeli Families and Officials

During his visit, Vance also met with families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and expressed solidarity with victims of the conflict. He was joined by U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, senior adviser and son-in-law to President Donald Trump.

The meetings underscored Washington’s dual focus: maintaining Israel’s security while urging restraint and humanitarian access in Gaza.

ICJ Orders Israel to Permit UN Aid to Gaza

In a parallel development, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled Wednesday that Israel must allow the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to resume humanitarian operations in Gaza.

“The state of Israel is under the obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes provided by the United Nations and its entities, including UNRWA,” ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa said.

The decision follows a request from the UN General Assembly, which sought clarification on Israel’s legal obligations after it banned UNRWA earlier this year, accusing the agency of ties to Hamas.

Israel has dismissed the ICJ proceedings as politically biased and declined to attend hearings in April. Netanyahu and several of his far-right coalition partners have long criticized UNRWA, claiming it is compromised by militant influence.

Next Steps in Ceasefire and Governance

Uncertainty continues over the governance of Gaza after the ceasefire and the structure of the proposed international peacekeeping force.

Vance told reporters Tuesday that the Trump administration and allied governments are evaluating potential troop contributors, naming Turkey and Indonesia among countries expected to participate. Flags representing possible partner nations — including Germany, Denmark, and Jordan — were displayed during his remarks.

However, an Israeli official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the talks, said Netanyahu expressed opposition to Turkish troop participation. Israel and Turkey have experienced strained relations for years, despite occasional attempts at diplomatic rapprochement.

Israeli Parliament Votes on Controversial Annexation Bill

In what analysts view as a symbolic political challenge to Netanyahu, far-right lawmakers in Israel’s Knesset advanced a preliminary bill granting Israel authority to annex the occupied West Bank — a move the United States firmly opposes.

The measure narrowly passed an initial vote, 25–24, though it remains uncertain whether it can secure a majority in the 120-seat parliament. Netanyahu retains procedural tools to block or delay the bill’s progress.

The proposal surfaced during Vance’s visit, underscoring the internal political tensions facing the Israeli leader as he balances pressure from coalition hardliners with U.S. expectations for restraint.

Remains of Hostages and Palestinians Exchanged

Israel announced Wednesday that it had identified the remains of two more hostages — Arie Zalmanovich and Tamir Adar — killed during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks on Kibbutz Nir Oz. Their bodies were among those returned as part of the ceasefire’s ongoing humanitarian provisions.

Since the truce began on October 10, Israel has recovered the remains of 15 hostages, with 13 more believed to remain in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that Israel returned the bodies of 30 Palestinians, bringing the total number of bodies handed back since the ceasefire began to 195. Families have identified 57 of them, according to the ministry.

Dozens gathered outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis for funeral prayers over 54 Palestinians returned since the ceasefire began. A senior health official in Gaza alleged that some of the bodies showed “signs of torture” and called for an independent investigation.

Israel has not commented on those claims, nor provided details about the identities or circumstances of the deceased.

Israelis Mourn Victims of October 7 Attacks

Thousands of Israelis attended the funeral of Tal Haimi, killed during the October 7 assault, whose remains were recently returned from Gaza. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed the ceremony in a public statement.

Mourners also paid tribute to Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker killed in the same attack, whose body is being repatriated to Thailand.

The Hamas-led assault that triggered the war left 1,200 people dead and 251 abducted, according to Israeli authorities. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that more than 68,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began — a toll that includes both civilians and combatants. The ministry’s figures, while disputed by Israel, are broadly regarded by UN agencies as credible.

A Fragile Truce Amid Regional Tension

As diplomatic efforts continue, both Washington and Jerusalem face mounting pressure to solidify a durable peace framework. The Trump administration has positioned itself as a mediator between Israeli security demands and international calls for accountability and aid access.

For now, the ceasefire remains fragile, dependent on mutual restraint and coordination between Israel, the U.S., and regional partners. Vance’s visit — and his pointed remarks on partnership — signal Washington’s effort to project unity with Israel while maintaining diplomatic credibility among Arab and international allies.