Axios: Vance scraps 'Israel' visit over new operation in Gaza
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US Vice President JD Vance cancels a planned "Israel" visit amid the renewed Gaza offensive, signaling US discomfort as the Trump administration pushes for a ceasefire and captives deal.
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US Vice President JD Vance, right, and his wife Usha attend Pope Leo XIV's formal inauguration of his pontificate in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, May 18, 2025 (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)
US Vice President JD Vance decided against visiting “Israel” this week due to the Israeli regime’s latest escalation in Gaza, a senior US official told Axios, in a move reflecting quiet discomfort within the Trump administration over the occupation state’s refusal to halt its military campaign.
Vance had considered stopping in “Israel” after attending the Pope’s inauguration in Rome, but ultimately dropped the plan amid concerns that the visit would be interpreted as an endorsement of the occupation’s newly launched ground offensive, dubbed "Gideon's Chariots".
While Vance’s office cited “logistical constraints” as the reason for canceling, a senior official told Axios that the real motive was political, as the Trump administration did not want the visit to be seen as approving “Israel’s” expanded operations in Gaza.
“This isn’t about pressuring ‘Israel’ publicly,” the official told Axios. “But visiting now would have sent the wrong message.”
The decision offers a rare glimpse into internal US deliberations as the administration attempts to broker a ceasefire and captives deal, while also responding to regional and international criticism over the deepening famine, genocide, and assault on the Palestinians trapped in the Gaza Strip.
Background: Displacement plans and escalating ground war
On Friday, the Israeli occupation forces began mobilizing troops under the banner of "Gideon’s Chariots", a military plan reportedly aimed at displacing Gaza’s 2 million citizens to a so-called "humanitarian zone" and flattening large parts of the Strip.
By Sunday, the Israeli military had announced ground operations were underway across multiple areas of Gaza, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by US special envoy Steve Witkoff to prevent the assault.
Israeli Occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to sign any agreement that would end the war or pause the operation, displaying little flexibility in negotiations, according to US officials.
Behind closed doors: planning, retraction, and concern
After the pope’s inauguration, discussions in the US began over a potential stopover in “Israel.” Secret Service agents engaged in contingency planning and Israeli media began reporting Vance’s anticipated arrival on Tuesday, according to Axios. But within hours, the White House issued a statement denying any confirmed extension of Vance’s trip.
"Logistical constraints have precluded an extension of his travel beyond Rome," a White House official to Axios. "He will return to Washington on Monday."
Still, a US official familiar with the decision said that logistics weren’t the real issue. Rather, concerns were raised that Vance’s presence in “Israel” would be seen as implicit support for the ongoing offensive, especially amid global scrutiny over displacement plans and starvation in Gaza.
State of play: Washington ramps up pressure on “Israel”
The Trump administration is now engaged in urgent diplomacy to stop the offensive, facilitate the captives' release, and expand humanitarian aid access, according to Axios.
Under US and European pressure, the Israeli Security Cabinet agreed Sunday to resume the transfer of aid to Gaza via current channels, pending the implementation of a new humanitarian mechanism.
According to Axios, envoy Steve Witkoff submitted an updated ceasefire and captive release proposal last week to both “Israel” and Hamas, and is pushing both sides toward a framework agreement that could halt the bloodshed.
