US vice president cancels Israel trip to avoid endorsing Gaza offensive: Report

ISTANBUL

US Vice President JD Vance scrapped plans to visit Israel over concerns his presence would validate Israel's expanded military operations in Gaza, Axios reported Monday.

Vance abandoned the proposed stop following his Rome visit because he was concerned that his visit might imply Washington supports Israel's decision to escalate its military campaign while US pursues a ceasefire deal, a senior US official told the news outlet.

The Trump administration had notified Israeli officials Saturday about Vance potentially visiting after attending Pope Leo XIV's inauguration, according to Israeli sources.

Though a White House official later cited "logistical constraints" for the cancellation, another US official told Axios that logistics were not the actual concern. Rather, officials feared the trip could be seen by Israel and neighboring countries as approval of Israel's intensified offensive.

Vance said he had not seen the report, insisting the decision was made due to logistical complications.

Speaking to reporters before flying back to the US, Vance said they had considered visiting Israel as well as other countries in the coming months.

He explained that practical issues such as childcare arrangements and coordinating security ultimately made the trip unfeasible.

“Logistically it was just a little bit too hard,” he said. “I'm sure we'll visit Israel sometime in the future but not today.”

Similarly, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth canceled his Israel trip planned for last Monday, with the administration saying he would instead join President Donald Trump's Middle East visit.

The diplomatic adjustments come as Israel launched "Operation Gideon's Chariots" Sunday, beginning a broad ground offensive throughout Gaza with standing army and reserve forces.

Since March 2, Israel has blocked humanitarian aid to Gaza, worsening an already dire crisis. The military campaign has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians since October 2023.

Israel faces genocide charges at the International Court of Justice, while the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant for war crimes in Gaza.