200 US soldiers arrive in Israel, as Witkoff confirms IDF troops completed first phase of withdrawal from Gaza

Some 200 US soldiers arrived in Israel on Saturday in an effort to ensure the historic peace agreement ending the war in Gaza holds.

“America’s sons and daughters in uniform are answering the call to deliver peace in the Middle East in support of the Commander in Chief’s direction in this historic moment,” Adm. Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command, said.

“This great effort will be achieved with no US boots on the ground in Gaza.”

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The American military isn’t expected to head into the Gaza Strip — but rather coordinate troops that will come from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, and manage any heightened tensions with the Israelis.

Part of its role following President Trump’s peace agreement between Israel and Hamas has been described as making sure there are no violations or incursions from either side.

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Cooper, along with US envoy Steve Witkoff visited an Israeli army post in the Strip Saturday morning to confirm IDF troops were withdrawing as part of the historic cease-fire deal with the terror group, Fox News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin reported.

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“CENTCOM has confirmed that the Israeli Defense Forces completed the first phase withdrawal to the yellow line at 12PM local time, said Witkoff on X.

“The 72-hour period to release the hostages has begun.”

Witkoff and Cooper have since returned to Israel, with Witkoff set to speak at Tel Aviv’s Hostages’ Square Saturday night.

With Post wires