The White House has made a bold commitment: no boots on the ground in Gaza as part of Trump’s peace plan. This decisive approach has brought a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel that has remarkably held for two weeks. But don’t be fooled—there are still American assets in the air, asserting our presence and authority.
The United States is deploying **surveillance drones over the Gaza Strip** to ensure both Israel and Hamas adhere to the ceasefire. This operation demonstrates our commitment to monitoring the situation effectively. The American drones are functioning in coordination with Israel, although specific locations and flight paths remain undisclosed. This is not just about surveillance; it’s about maintaining peace through oversight.
These drone flights are part of the newly established Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), manned by 200 American troops and officers, alongside allied nations. The Pentagon has previously leveraged drones to aid the Israeli military in locating hostages and identifying terror cells in the region. The MQ-9 Reaper drones have been critical tools in these earlier operations, showcasing our technological edge and resolve.
However, there’s an undeniable tension brewing. Recent reports indicate a **growing distrust** between U.S. and Israeli officials regarding the ceasefire implementation. A former American diplomat has voiced surprise at the U.S. surveillance missions in Gaza, suggesting that if there were complete transparency and trust, such measures would be unnecessary. The implication is clear—this distrust underscores the complexities of the situation.
This unease was palpable during Vice President JD Vance’s recent visit to Israel. Just days ago, Israel’s parliament moved forward with a controversial bill aimed at extending Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, a move that could effectively mean full annexation of Palestinian territory. The proposal, labeled as seeking “to apply the sovereignty of the State of Israel to the territories of Judea and Samaria,” has sparked outrage.
This **largely symbolic vote** provoked strong reactions from Vance and the American delegation, perceived as a reckless act that could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire. Vance did not hold back, condemning the move as a **”stupid political stunt”** and an **”insult”** from hardliner MPs. While he acknowledged the move might be symbolic, it was glaringly inappropriate given the political context of his visit.
