West jerusalem: US Vice President JD Vance, who is on an official visit to Israel, met Wednesday with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the presidential office in West Jerusalem. Following their meeting, the two spoke to the press on the ceasefire agreement in Gaza reached earlier this month between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.
According to Anadolu Agency, Vance emphasized the importance of ensuring the durability of the peace agreement. "We're here to talk about peace," Vance stated. "We're here to talk about how to ensure that the peace agreement that started about a week ago sticks, that we move into phase two, into phase three with success," he added. Vance expressed optimism based on his discussions with Israeli and Gulf Arab counterparts, highlighting the potential for lasting peace in the region.
Vance outlined the administration's goal of fostering an environment conducive to collaboration between Gulf Arab nations and Israel, aiming to build a better Middle East. He stated, "We think that it's in the best interest of the United States. We also think that it's in the best interest of everybody who lives here. So we'll keep on working on it and working on it together."
During the meeting, Herzog expressed admiration for Vance's book, "Hillbilly Elegy," and praised its narrative. Herzog reiterated Israel's gratitude to former President Donald Trump for his efforts toward peace. He emphasized the necessity of offering hope for the region's future and recounted the legacy of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated in the pursuit of peace. Herzog remarked, "He said that the torments of peace are much better than the agony of war. I truly believe that the fact you're here is another brick in building the future for peace."
As his visit continues, Vance is expected to meet with Israeli Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv. Additionally, he plans to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem.