JD and Usha Vance Arrive in Israel to Bolster Fragile Gaza Cease-Fire [WATCH]

Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday for a series of urgent high-level meetings aimed at reinforcing the fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, as reported by the New York Post.

The couple landed at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, where they were welcomed by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and other American and Israeli officials.

Vance did not make any public remarks upon arrival but immediately began closed-door meetings with Israeli leadership and U.S. envoys working on the Gaza negotiations.

JD Vance and Usha Vance arrive Israel … pic.twitter.com/3jtrlqG1Op

— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) October 21, 2025

Vice President Vance’s itinerary includes a sit-down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussions with senior White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have been central to the administration’s diplomatic efforts in the region.

The visit comes as Washington seeks to stabilize the first phase of the cease-fire, which was brokered under President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan earlier this month.

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The administration is now pressing both sides to honor the agreement and move toward the more difficult second phase of negotiations.

Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the terms of the truce since it took effect on Oct. 10. Despite the mutual allegations, both sides maintain that they remain committed to the deal.

A senior Israeli official said the vice president’s visit is meant to “advance the Gaza talks to the second phase” and ensure the cease-fire remains in place long enough to recover all hostages and remains.

Under the agreement, Hamas is required to turn over the remains of 15 hostages still believed to be in Gaza. Thirteen have already been returned since the cease-fire began.

Israel, for its part, handed back the remains of 15 Palestinians on Tuesday, officials confirmed.

Vance, who is expected to stay in the region until Thursday, will also meet with the families of hostages whose remains have yet to be recovered. The meetings are expected to provide reassurance that the U.S. remains actively engaged in seeing the cease-fire plan through to completion.

President Trump has emphasized the importance of the plan’s success, describing it as “critical to restoring lasting stability in the region.”

Administration officials say the White House remains in close contact with both Israeli and Qatari mediators overseeing the implementation of the deal.

The coming days will test whether the cease-fire, now in its second week, can hold amid growing tension and pressure for further progress in the negotiations.

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