In a recent announcement regarding Vice President JD Vance’s upcoming visit to Israel, President Donald Trump reiterated his stern stance against Hamas. He emphasized the necessity for the U.S.-facilitated truce in Gaza to endure, issuing a direct warning to the militant group.
During a meeting at the White House with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday, Trump declared, “We’re going to eradicate them. If we have to, they’ll be eradicated. And they know that.” He highlighted the international support for the ceasefire, noting that “59 countries have agreed to the deal,” and warned that any resurgence of violence would be met with swift retaliation.
Although specific details about Vice President Vance’s itinerary in Israel remain undisclosed, U.S. diplomatic efforts are also extending to Cairo. Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are anticipated to travel from Israel to Egypt for discussions with Hamas representatives. This move underscores the ongoing efforts to transition from maintaining the ceasefire to addressing more complex negotiations.
In a notable Oval Office meeting on April 7, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was joined by President Trump, Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and former National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
When questioned by a reporter about the possibility of deploying U.S. troops, President Trump clarified that his administration has no current plans to send forces. He stated that other nations, along with Israel, would be prepared to act if necessary.
“We don’t need to because we have many countries, as you know, signed on to this deal,” Trump explained. “We’ve had countries reaching out, expressing a willingness to address the situation themselves after witnessing Hamas’s actions. Moreover, Israel is ready to act swiftly if I request it. But for now, we’re allowing a chance for peace in hopes of reducing violence.”
He added a blunt warning about Hamas’ capacity and support. “But right now, you know, they’re violent people. Hamas has been very violent, but they don’t have the backing of Iran anymore… They have to be good, and if they’re not good, they’ll be eradicated — because absolutely we can, and we have the capacity to do so.”
The comments came as senior U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Israeli leaders to shore up the fragile, Trump-brokered, 20-step ceasefire plan after a weekend flare-up. Hamas terrorists killed two Israeli soldiers, prompting Israeli strikes against the terror group. Despite the violence, both Israel and Hamas publicly recommitted to the truce.
President Donald Trump, left, and Anthony Albanese, Australia’s prime minister, shake hands outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Oct. 20, 2025. (Yuri Gripas/Abaca/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
On Monday, the IDF announced that the body of 41-year-old Tal Haimi, the commander of his kibbutz’s rapid response team, had been recovered after he was abducted by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7., 2023. Haimi led the defense of his kibbutz during the attack. According to The Times of Israel, he is survived by his wife and their four children — including one son who was born in May 2024, seven months after he was killed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking in the Knesset, struck a hard line while stressing close U.S.–Israel coordination. He warned the fighting was far from over and said violations would carry a “very heavy price,” while praising the “unprecedented closeness” with Washington.
A group of Hamas terrorists in Deir-el Balah in central Gaza as 20 living Israeli hostages were freed on Oct. 13, 2025. (TPS-IL)
Separately, the IDF said Southern Command troops have begun marking a so-called yellow line inside Gaza — 3.5-meter concrete barriers topped by yellow poles placed roughly every 200 meters — to establish “tactical clarity on the ground” as part of the ceasefire arrangement. The military said the marking will continue “in the coming period” as forces work to remove threats and defend Israeli civilians.
