Washington’s diplomatic initiatives are being stepped up to reinforce the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after a weekend exchange of fire. In this context, US Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife, Usa, arrived at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem on Wednesday morning, according to a White House briefing.

According to the Israeli prime minister’s office, Netanyahu and his wife, Sarah, welcomed Vance and his wife in a brief private ceremony.

A private meeting between the Israeli prime minister and the US vice president began immediately afterwards, which will be followed by a wider meeting involving senior officials from both sides.

Meanwhile, according to an American official who spoke to The Times of Israel, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to arrive in Israel tomorrow for a two-day visit. An official announcement of the trip is expected later in the day.

The main objective of Rubio’s visit, the official said, will be to support the successful implementation of the ceasefire plan Washington is promoting for Gaza.