The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that Witkoff and Kushner arrived at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, while Haaretz newspaper quoted informed sources as saying that the visit aimed to prepare for the vice president's arrival and discuss the next phase of the US plan for the region.
The newspaper noted that the two US envoys had left the Middle East about a week ago, following the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in addition to President Donald Trump's brief visit to both Israel and Egypt.
According to an Israeli source who spoke to the newspaper, the two envoys are expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss issues related to Vance's visit, most notably the second phase of the Trump plan, which includes the deployment of an international peacekeeping force in the Gaza Strip, the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation army, and the disarmament of Hamas.
The newspaper noted that the US administration intends to submit a draft resolution to the UN Security Council in the coming days regarding the formation of an international force in Gaza, including a definition of its mandate, in light of expected support from France, Britain, and a number of Arab countries.
In a related development, the newspaper reported that US officials confirmed last week that Hamas has not yet violated the ceasefire agreement, despite Israeli allegations that the movement is stalling on handing over the remains of some prisoners.
On October 10, a ceasefire agreement went into effect, in accordance with the Trump plan. This plan, in addition to a ceasefire, includes a gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army, a mutual release of prisoners, and the immediate entry of aid into the Gaza Strip.
The agreement ended a two-year genocidal war waged by Israel since October 8, 2023, with American support, leaving more than 68,000 dead and approximately 170,000 wounded.
According to the government media office in Gaza, Israel committed 80 violations of the ceasefire agreement, resulting in the deaths of 97 Palestinians and the injury of 230 others, including 21 violations on Sunday that resulted in the deaths of 44 people.
