U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance Cancels Israel Visit Amid Gaza Escalation
Visit Called Off to Avoid Signaling Trump Administration's Backing of Israel’s New Gaza Offensive.
Watan-The American news website Axios reported on Monday that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance canceled a planned visit to Israel scheduled for Tuesday due to the expansion of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, according to a senior American official.
The official stated that Vance made the decision because he did not want his visit to imply that President Donald Trump’s administration supports Israel’s decision to launch a major offensive in Gaza—especially while the U.S. is pushing for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. Although Vance cited “logistical reasons” for canceling the visit, Axios interpreted the move as indicative of Washington’s stance on Israel’s current policy in Gaza.
The report also mentioned that the U.S. informed Israel on Saturday that Vance was considering a stopover in Israel after attending the inauguration of the new pope in Rome, according to Israeli officials. Preparations were underway between American and Israeli officials on Sunday, with Israeli media reporting he might arrive Tuesday.
White House Denies Vance’s Israel Stop as Gaza Assault Escalates
However, only hours later, a White House official denied those reports to journalists traveling with Vance. The statement explained: “While the Secret Service explored potential plans for visits to several countries, no decision was made regarding additional stops. Logistical constraints prevented any extension beyond Rome. He will return to Washington on Monday.” Vance’s office declined further comment.
A U.S. official familiar with the internal discussions told Axios that logistics were not the real issue. While Vance was still weighing the trip, concerns arose that visiting Israel at this time might be interpreted by Tel Aviv and regional actors as endorsing the expanded military operations in Gaza. Vance ultimately decided not to go.
In recent days, Israel has intensified its assault on Gaza, killing hundreds of Palestinians under the justification of “increased pressure” on Hamas to accept Israel’s conditions for a temporary ceasefire. On Friday evening, the Israeli military announced the launch of a large-scale operation, including strategic troop deployments, under the codename “Gideon’s Chariots.”
According to the Israeli army, the goal of the operation is to “achieve all war objectives,” primarily “freeing the hostages and defeating Hamas.” The army spokesperson confirmed that in the last 24 hours, Israeli forces had carried out heavy attacks and moved troops to control key areas in Gaza—some previously invaded during the past months of war.
