Vice President-elect JD Vance offered his perspective on Sunday regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s warning that “all h— will break loose” if the hostages held by Hamas are not freed by January 20, when Trump is set to assume office.

Vance clarified that this statement signals plans to empower Israel to target the remaining Hamas battalions and leadership. He emphasized that it would also involve the imposition of tough sanctions and financial penalties on those backing terrorist groups in the region. “It means actually doing the job of American leadership,” Vance explained during his appearance on Fox News Sunday.

He further explained that Trump’s stern warning has been a key factor in the progress seen in the ongoing talks. “We’re hopeful there’s going to be a deal that’s struck toward the very end of Biden’s administration — maybe the last day or two,” Vance noted. “But regardless of when that deal is struck, it will be because people are terrified that there are going to be consequences for Hamas.”

Trump has issued several stern messages to Hamas, warning that they must release the hostages in Gaza before his inauguration.

In response to CNN’s Alayna Treene’s inquiry about his previous remarks regarding “hell to pay” for Hamas if they do not return the hostages by January 20, Trump responded, “Let me put it this way: They better let the hostages come back soon.”

Recent reports indicate that talks between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire and hostage release agreement are making headway.

On Saturday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Mossad chief David Barnea to travel to Qatar with a delegation of senior officials to advance the negotiations.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, speaking on Sunday, expressed cautious hope regarding the potential for a deal. “We are very, very close; and yet being close still means we are far because until you actually get across the finish line, we’re not there,” Sullivan said in an interview with CNN.

When asked about the possibility of securing a deal before January 20, he replied, “Can we get it done before the 20th? It is possible, but I certainly can’t make any predictions.”