TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel's prime minister toughened his stance Wednesday by declaring that his country is in charge of its own security and isn't an American protectorate as he prepared to discuss progress on Gaza’s fragile ceasefire agreement with Vice President JD Vance.

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Israel’s prime minister has toughened his stance by declaring his country is in charge of its own security and isn’t an American protectorate

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks come as he prepares to discuss progress on Gaza’s fragile ceasefire agreement with Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday

The remarks appear aimed at easing public concerns that the presence of an envisioned international security force in Gaza could limit Israel’s ability to strike in the devastated territory

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