Outgoing U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Jordanian King Abdullah II in separate meetings on Thursday.
Both leaders discussed the recent ceasefire and hostage agreement with Harris, according to the official readouts, while focusing on different aspects.
When speaking to Herzog, the twelfth conversation between the two leaders, the vice president said she welcomed the deal as it “would return hostages to their families, bring immediate relief to the people of Gaza through a surge in humanitarian aid and form the basis for a lasting end to the war and security for Israel.” It can be the “foundation to create a more peaceful future for Israeli and Palestinian people,” she told the Israeli president.
Additionally, Harris told Herzog that she expects the deal “to be implemented fully and on schedule.” (Hamas recently reneged on the hostage deal, but Israeli officials stated the deal is back on track.)
During her call with Abdullah, the two discussed their work to strengthen ties between the United States and Jordan. She also expressed appreciation for the country’s role in facilitating aid to Palestinians during the war and thanked Abdullah for his leadership “in advancing regional peace and stability.”
Over the course of both calls, Harris noted “her unwavering focus” on securing the Jewish state, releasing the hostages, ending the suffering in Gaza and making sure Palestinians “can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self-determination.”
