Vance doesn’t set deadline for Hamas to disarm; says ‘very bad things’ ahead if it breaches deal

US Vice President JD Vance declines to specify what the future government of Gaza will ultimately look like, saying that ensuring security for both Israelis and Gazans must come first.

Speaking at a press conference at the US-Israel coordination center for the ceasefire in Gaza, Vance denies that he flew to Israel this week to shore up the agreement. His visit follows the IDF’s strikes in Gaza after two IDF soldiers were killed in a Sunday Hamas attack on troops.

But Vance says the trip has been in the works for “months.”

He reiterates US President Donald Trump’s statement that Washington won’t set a specific deadline for Hamas to disarm, adding that “if Hamas doesn’t comply with the deal, very bad things are going to happen.”

Regarding the shape of “the ultimate authority in Gaza,” Vance adds, “I don’t know the answer to that question.” He adds, “We’re creating a governance structure that is very flexible to what happens on the ground in the future.”

“Once we’ve got to a point where both the Gazans and our Israeli friends can have some measure of security, then we’ll worry about what the long-term governance of Gaza is,” he continues. “Let’s focus on security, rebuilding, giving people some food and medicine. If we get to the point where we’re arguing exactly what the governance structure in Gaza is long term, then we should pat ourselves on the back.”