US Vice President JD Vance met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Wednesday, voicing optimism about Gaza’s reconstruction as lawmakers advanced a contentious West Bank sovereignty bill over the prime minister’s objections.

Addressing reporters alongside Netanyahu, Vance said that disarming Hamas and rebuilding Gaza were achievable goals but cautioned, “We have a very, very tough task ahead of us,” noting that Arab states were “stepping up and volunteering to play a very positive role in this.”

Netanyahu hailed the cooperation between Israel and the United States, praising Vance’s engagement in advancing peace efforts. Still, he stressed that Israel was “not an American protectorate,” saying, “Israel will have the final say regarding her security.” Vance responded, “We don’t want a protectorate,” and reiterated his optimism that the ceasefire will hold.

Asked about the possibility of Turkey contributing troops to a future international stabilization force in Gaza, Netanyahu said Israel “will, obviously, have to decide together on who does that,” adding that he had “very strong opinions” on the matter.