Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met the head of Egyptian intelligence in Jerusalem on Tuesday, the prime minister’s office said.

During the meeting, it said, they discussed advancing US President Donald Trump’s plan, Israel–Egypt relations and strengthening the peace between the two countries.

Vance in Israel to shore up ceasefire

US Vice President JD Vance was holding talks in Israel on Tuesday as Washington tries to stabilise the first, shaky, phase of the Gaza ceasefire and push Israel and Hamas towards the harder concessions asked of each side in coming talks.

The two sides have accused each other of repeated breaches of the ceasefire since it was formally agreed eight days ago, with flashes of violence and recriminations over the pace of returning hostage bodies, bringing in aid and opening borders.

However, US President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan will require much more difficult steps to which the sides have yet to fully commit, including the disarmament of Hamas and steps towards a Palestinian state.

Focus on the second phase

Vance, who has so far made no public remarks during the visit, is due to speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The trip follows Monday’s talks between Netanyahu and US envoys Steven Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and comes as Hamas meet mediators in Cairo.

A senior Israeli official said the purpose of Vance’s visit was to advance the Gaza talks to the second phase of the ceasefire.

Israel is pressing for stronger assurances on Hamas disarming – a step to which the group has so far refused to commit – said a source briefed on the matter.

Hamas’ Cairo talks, led by the group’s exiled leader Khalil Al Hayya, are also looking at prospects for the next phase of the truce and post-war arrangements in Gaza as well as stabilising the existing ceasefire.

The head of intelligence for key Gaza mediator Egypt met Netanyahu earlier on Tuesday to discuss advancing the ceasefire plan and other issues, Israel said.

The intelligence chief, Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, will later meet Witkoff, Egyptian television reported.

Underscoring the fragility of the truce, Qatar, another of the mediators, on Tuesday accused Israel of continuous violations.

It and Turkey, which has used its role to bolster its regional position, have been key interlocutors with Hamas.