Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday asserted that Israel controls its own security and is not a “protectorate of the United States.”His remarks came ahead of discussions on Gaza’s fragile ceasefire with US Vice President JD Vance.“We are not a protectorate of the United States. Israel is the one that will decide on its security,” Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office as he headed into the meeting. His remarks appeared aimed at easing public concerns that an envisioned international security force in Gaza could limit Israel’s ability to strike in the territory to prevent future threats.Vance arrived in Israel to support ongoing efforts to reinforce the truce, amid concerns within the Trump administration that Netanyahu may consider pulling back from the agreement, potentially reigniting full-scale conflict.Vance emphasised the dual challenge facing both countries: Disarming Hamas while rebuilding Gaza to improve life for its residents. “We have a very, very tough task ahead of us, which is to disarm Hamas but rebuild Gaza to make life better for the people in Gaza, but also to ensure that Hamas is no longer a threat to our friends in Israel. That’s not easy,” he said, as quoted by AP.During his visit, Vance also met with relatives of Israeli hostages. He was accompanied by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. The details of the proposed international security force remain uncertain, including its composition and who would govern Gaza. Vance said officials are considering contributions from countries such as Turkey and Indonesia.Meanwhile, the Israeli government announced that US secretary of state Marco Rubio will travel to Israel on Friday to meet with Netanyahu.
