Netanyahu and Vance met at the Prime Minister’s Office in West Jerusalem, focusing on the post-war future of Gaza and security arrangements for the territory. Speaking to reporters, Netanyahu dismissed claims that Israel is controlled by the U.S. or vice versa, calling it “complete nonsense.”

“We have a partnership based on shared values and goals. We can debate and disagree, but overall last year we agreed not only on objectives but also on how to achieve them,” Netanyahu said.

Isolating Hamas remains top priority

Addressing the ceasefire, Netanyahu stressed that Israel’s goal is to isolate Hamas from the Arab and Muslim world. “I believe we have achieved this effectively with the U.S. president’s team,” he said. He also highlighted the unique U.S.-Israel alliance, describing it as transformative for security and regional peace.

Strong reservations on Turkish deployment

When asked about Turkish security forces in Gaza, Netanyahu responded indirectly: “I have very strong opinions about that. Want to guess what they are?” Turkey’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond, and its Defence Ministry declined to comment.

Vance added that Turkey could play a constructive role, but Washington would not impose foreign troops on Israeli soil.

Vance: Disarm Hamas, rebuild Gaza, empower allies

The second phase of the U.S. plan calls for Hamas disarmament and an internationally supervised Palestinian committee to run Gaza with support from vetted Palestinian police.

Vance said, “We have a very, very tough task ahead: to disarm Hamas, rebuild Gaza to improve life for its people, and ensure Hamas is no longer a threat to our friends in Israel.”

Fragile ceasefire and humanitarian concerns

The ceasefire followed the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attacks and the freeing of roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel. Despite the truce, violence and tensions persist over returning bodies, aid deliveries, and border openings.

Hamas has reasserted control by deploying armed personnel in Gaza and suppressing rival groups. According to Gaza health authorities, one Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire, while 54 unidentified bodies delivered by Israel were buried, and 30 more arrived at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.

Since the start of the conflict, at least 68,000 Palestinians have been killed, and Israel reports around 1,200 casualties from the Hamas attacks, including 251 hostages taken to Gaza.