1 00:00:00,430 --> 00:00:04,380 Sure . Did you time that just for 2 00:00:04,389 --> 00:00:06,667 me when you said , oh , no . All right . 3 00:00:07,769 --> 00:00:09,991 All right , good afternoon , everyone . 4 00:00:09,991 --> 00:00:12,213 Uh , just a few things uh to pass along 5 00:00:12,213 --> 00:00:14,213 and then I'll be happy to take your 6 00:00:14,213 --> 00:00:16,047 questions . Uh The Department of 7 00:00:16,047 --> 00:00:18,102 Defense continues to remain actively 8 00:00:18,102 --> 00:00:20,269 engaged on the situation in the Middle 9 00:00:20,269 --> 00:00:22,325 East and is focused on three primary 10 00:00:22,325 --> 00:00:24,491 objectives , supporting Israel's right 11 00:00:24,491 --> 00:00:26,825 to defend itself from terrorist attacks , 12 00:00:26,825 --> 00:00:28,825 deterring a broader conflict in the 13 00:00:28,825 --> 00:00:30,880 region and ensuring force protection 14 00:00:30,880 --> 00:00:32,909 for our troops and allow me to just 15 00:00:32,919 --> 00:00:34,975 briefly address each of these , uh , 16 00:00:34,975 --> 00:00:37,419 since Hamas's cruel terrorist attacks 17 00:00:37,430 --> 00:00:39,541 on Israel on October 7th , the United 18 00:00:39,541 --> 00:00:41,652 States has rushed security assistance 19 00:00:41,652 --> 00:00:43,729 to Israel to enable Israel defense 20 00:00:43,740 --> 00:00:46,159 forces to restore , restore security 21 00:00:46,369 --> 00:00:48,591 and protect the Israeli people . And as 22 00:00:48,591 --> 00:00:50,369 we've highlighted this includes 23 00:00:50,369 --> 00:00:52,369 capabilities requested by Israel to 24 00:00:52,369 --> 00:00:54,425 include precision guided munitions , 25 00:00:54,425 --> 00:00:56,258 small diameter bombs , artillery 26 00:00:56,258 --> 00:00:58,729 ammunition , iron dome interceptors and 27 00:00:58,740 --> 00:01:01,069 other critical equipment . Continue to 28 00:01:01,080 --> 00:01:03,549 stay in close contact with our Israeli 29 00:01:03,560 --> 00:01:05,629 partners on their defense needs and 30 00:01:05,639 --> 00:01:07,639 remain committed to the security of 31 00:01:07,639 --> 00:01:10,519 Israel . We also continue to underscore 32 00:01:10,529 --> 00:01:12,751 the importance of safeguarding innocent 33 00:01:12,751 --> 00:01:14,640 civilians in this conflict , both 34 00:01:14,640 --> 00:01:17,129 Palestinian and Israeli and ensuring 35 00:01:17,139 --> 00:01:19,319 the delivery of humanitarian aid to 36 00:01:19,330 --> 00:01:21,819 those in need since that Hamas 37 00:01:21,830 --> 00:01:23,774 terrorist attack . We've also been 38 00:01:23,774 --> 00:01:25,830 crystal clear that we do not want to 39 00:01:25,830 --> 00:01:27,989 see the situation in Israel Bryn are 40 00:01:28,000 --> 00:01:30,056 widen rather into a broader regional 41 00:01:30,059 --> 00:01:31,892 conflict . And as you've heard , 42 00:01:31,892 --> 00:01:33,948 President Biden Secretary Austin and 43 00:01:33,948 --> 00:01:36,190 other senior us leaders say our message 44 00:01:36,199 --> 00:01:38,366 to any country or group thinking about 45 00:01:38,366 --> 00:01:40,199 trying to take advantage of this 46 00:01:40,199 --> 00:01:42,255 situation to widen the conflict is , 47 00:01:42,255 --> 00:01:44,800 don't we've already deployed a 48 00:01:44,809 --> 00:01:46,809 significant number of additional us 49 00:01:46,809 --> 00:01:48,920 military capabilities into the region 50 00:01:48,920 --> 00:01:50,930 to bolster our regional deterrence 51 00:01:50,940 --> 00:01:53,051 efforts , strengthen our capabilities 52 00:01:53,051 --> 00:01:54,884 there and enhance our ability to 53 00:01:54,884 --> 00:01:56,996 respond to a range of contingencies . 54 00:01:58,279 --> 00:02:00,335 In addition to the capabilities that 55 00:02:00,335 --> 00:02:02,390 we've already announced , I can also 56 00:02:02,390 --> 00:02:04,168 confirm that the new Jersey Air 57 00:02:04,168 --> 00:02:06,500 National Guard's 119th expeditionary 58 00:02:06,510 --> 00:02:08,566 fighter squadron arrived within us , 59 00:02:08,566 --> 00:02:10,010 central command's area of 60 00:02:10,010 --> 00:02:12,066 responsibility today with additional 61 00:02:12,066 --> 00:02:14,190 F-16 fighting Falcon squadron , uh 62 00:02:14,199 --> 00:02:17,039 bolstering us posture to deter further 63 00:02:17,050 --> 00:02:19,217 aggression in the region . And again , 64 00:02:19,217 --> 00:02:21,610 it is our aim to avoid any regional 65 00:02:21,619 --> 00:02:23,619 expansion of Israel's conflict with 66 00:02:23,619 --> 00:02:25,841 Hamas , but we stand ready and prepared 67 00:02:25,841 --> 00:02:28,008 to protect and defend our partners and 68 00:02:28,008 --> 00:02:30,119 our interests and will act to do so . 69 00:02:30,309 --> 00:02:32,587 Finally , in terms of force protection , 70 00:02:32,587 --> 00:02:34,698 uh the message is simple as Secretary 71 00:02:34,698 --> 00:02:36,920 Austin has consistently made clear , we 72 00:02:36,920 --> 00:02:38,920 will take all necessary measures to 73 00:02:38,920 --> 00:02:40,920 defend our troops and our interests 74 00:02:40,920 --> 00:02:42,976 overseas and with that happy to take 75 00:02:42,976 --> 00:02:44,698 your questions and we'll go to 76 00:02:44,698 --> 00:02:48,550 associated press lita Baldur first . Hi , 77 00:02:48,559 --> 00:02:51,029 thank you . Um a couple of things just 78 00:02:51,039 --> 00:02:54,800 for some quick clarifications , pa um 79 00:02:54,809 --> 00:02:58,529 can you give a better sense 80 00:02:58,539 --> 00:03:02,380 of what the total number of 81 00:03:02,389 --> 00:03:06,020 attacks against us bases in Iraq and 82 00:03:06,029 --> 00:03:08,649 Syria has been , was there an 83 00:03:08,660 --> 00:03:11,380 additional one today or not ? Can you , 84 00:03:11,389 --> 00:03:14,179 can you just kind of sketch us out ? Um 85 00:03:14,190 --> 00:03:16,301 because there's been a lot of kind of 86 00:03:16,301 --> 00:03:19,610 haphazard reporting on the numbers and 87 00:03:19,919 --> 00:03:23,059 how many people were injured in 88 00:03:23,070 --> 00:03:25,292 addition to the contractor that we know 89 00:03:25,292 --> 00:03:27,850 uh died uh from the cardiac arrest . 90 00:03:27,860 --> 00:03:29,916 And then I have uh one other thing , 91 00:03:29,979 --> 00:03:32,850 thanks Lia . So in terms of , of those 92 00:03:32,860 --> 00:03:35,679 numbers and statistics , um we are 93 00:03:35,690 --> 00:03:37,857 working with us central command to get 94 00:03:37,857 --> 00:03:40,020 you a comprehensive list uh for the 95 00:03:40,029 --> 00:03:42,320 public record . And so we'll endeavor 96 00:03:42,330 --> 00:03:44,274 to give that to you all as soon as 97 00:03:44,274 --> 00:03:46,497 possible . Um What I can tell you right 98 00:03:46,497 --> 00:03:48,690 now . Um And , and again , we're still 99 00:03:48,699 --> 00:03:51,630 con uh continuing to ensure uh that 100 00:03:51,639 --> 00:03:53,583 this accounts for everything . But 101 00:03:53,583 --> 00:03:56,759 between October 17th and the 24th , uh 102 00:03:56,770 --> 00:03:58,669 us and coalition forces have been 103 00:03:58,679 --> 00:04:00,846 attacked at least 10 separate times in 104 00:04:00,846 --> 00:04:03,440 Iraq and three separate times in Syria 105 00:04:03,449 --> 00:04:06,160 uh via a mix of one way attack drones 106 00:04:06,169 --> 00:04:08,336 and rockets . So again , those are the 107 00:04:08,336 --> 00:04:10,447 initial numbers . We're continuing to 108 00:04:10,447 --> 00:04:12,502 work to centcom to ensure we get you 109 00:04:12,502 --> 00:04:14,669 the facts on these . Uh And so again , 110 00:04:14,669 --> 00:04:16,502 we'll get that to you as soon as 111 00:04:16,502 --> 00:04:18,725 possible . And I'm sorry , you said you 112 00:04:18,725 --> 00:04:20,780 had a follow up . Yes , Um , can you 113 00:04:20,780 --> 00:04:22,725 say whether any of the prepared to 114 00:04:22,725 --> 00:04:25,440 deploy forces have actually been 115 00:04:25,450 --> 00:04:27,649 activated at this point ? And can you 116 00:04:27,660 --> 00:04:30,880 give us a better sense of what General , 117 00:04:30,890 --> 00:04:33,209 uh , Lieutenant General Glenn , uh , 118 00:04:33,220 --> 00:04:36,700 and this team is doing in Israel , are 119 00:04:36,709 --> 00:04:39,329 they did that sort of double the number 120 00:04:39,339 --> 00:04:42,609 of advisers there or , and , and what , 121 00:04:42,619 --> 00:04:44,619 what just give us a little bit more 122 00:04:44,619 --> 00:04:46,786 clarity on what they're doing ? Sure , 123 00:04:46,786 --> 00:04:48,952 um , in terms of the prepare to deploy 124 00:04:48,952 --> 00:04:50,897 the forces that have been notified 125 00:04:50,897 --> 00:04:53,119 under prepared to deploy orders . To my 126 00:04:53,119 --> 00:04:55,175 knowledge , those forces uh have not 127 00:04:55,175 --> 00:04:57,769 been tasked to , to deploy at this 128 00:04:57,779 --> 00:05:00,290 point in time . Uh I will say that uh 129 00:05:00,299 --> 00:05:02,640 separately , the deployment of the 130 00:05:02,649 --> 00:05:04,730 terminal high altitude area defense 131 00:05:04,739 --> 00:05:07,170 battery and the additional patriot 132 00:05:07,179 --> 00:05:09,290 battalions that we announced uh this 133 00:05:09,299 --> 00:05:11,350 weekend , uh their deployment is 134 00:05:11,359 --> 00:05:13,526 underway . I'm , I'm not gonna be able 135 00:05:13,526 --> 00:05:15,637 to go into numbers , I'm not gonna be 136 00:05:15,637 --> 00:05:17,859 able to go into locations other than to 137 00:05:17,859 --> 00:05:19,970 say to an undisclosed location in the 138 00:05:19,970 --> 00:05:22,220 Middle East . Um Again , those forces 139 00:05:22,230 --> 00:05:24,452 are aimed at enhancing force protection 140 00:05:24,452 --> 00:05:26,508 for us forces in the region . What I 141 00:05:26,510 --> 00:05:28,677 can tell you is that the Thaad Battery 142 00:05:28,677 --> 00:05:31,489 is coming from Fort Bliss , Texas and 143 00:05:31,500 --> 00:05:34,619 the Patriot uh battalions and batteries 144 00:05:34,630 --> 00:05:36,829 are coming from across Fort Liberty in 145 00:05:36,839 --> 00:05:38,750 North Carolina and Fort Sill in 146 00:05:38,760 --> 00:05:42,119 Oklahoma . Uh as it relates to uh 147 00:05:42,130 --> 00:05:45,720 General Glenn , um We have asked a few 148 00:05:45,730 --> 00:05:48,019 officials with relevant experience 149 00:05:48,029 --> 00:05:50,299 simply to help Israeli officials think 150 00:05:50,309 --> 00:05:52,320 through the kinds of questions that 151 00:05:52,329 --> 00:05:54,559 they need to consider uh as they 152 00:05:54,570 --> 00:05:57,200 conduct their planning , uh including 153 00:05:57,209 --> 00:05:59,119 advice on mitigating civilian 154 00:05:59,130 --> 00:06:01,799 casualties . Uh A as I'm sure you've 155 00:06:01,809 --> 00:06:04,559 seen reported , uh these officials to 156 00:06:04,570 --> 00:06:06,348 include General Glenn have deep 157 00:06:06,348 --> 00:06:08,237 experience when it comes to urban 158 00:06:08,237 --> 00:06:10,230 combat . And so again , um they're 159 00:06:10,239 --> 00:06:12,250 there temporarily uh with their 160 00:06:12,260 --> 00:06:14,670 military expertise to just go through 161 00:06:14,679 --> 00:06:16,846 and discuss some of the hard questions 162 00:06:16,846 --> 00:06:20,190 uh that the ID F uh should consider as 163 00:06:20,200 --> 00:06:23,059 they uh plan various scenarios . I will 164 00:06:23,070 --> 00:06:25,850 be uh very clear here though . The ID F 165 00:06:25,859 --> 00:06:28,109 uh will and always will make its own 166 00:06:28,119 --> 00:06:30,008 decisions . They are not there to 167 00:06:30,008 --> 00:06:32,008 direct uh again , simply to provide 168 00:06:32,008 --> 00:06:34,008 advice . Thank you . Let me go back 169 00:06:34,008 --> 00:06:36,230 into the room here , Matt . Thank you , 170 00:06:36,230 --> 00:06:38,341 Pat . Can you say what if any efforts 171 00:06:38,341 --> 00:06:40,286 the US is making to prevent future 172 00:06:40,286 --> 00:06:42,341 attacks on us , forces by these Iran 173 00:06:42,341 --> 00:06:44,640 backed militias in the region ? Um Have 174 00:06:44,649 --> 00:06:46,871 there been any counter strikes so far , 175 00:06:46,871 --> 00:06:48,927 any kind of efforts to thwart future 176 00:06:48,927 --> 00:06:51,149 attacks ? And if not ? Why not ? Yeah . 177 00:06:51,149 --> 00:06:53,093 Thanks Matt . Well , again , as we 178 00:06:53,093 --> 00:06:55,970 announced uh this weekend , um we are 179 00:06:55,980 --> 00:06:57,924 posturing additional forces in the 180 00:06:57,924 --> 00:07:00,459 region uh for two reasons . One again 181 00:07:00,470 --> 00:07:02,248 to bolster our broader regional 182 00:07:02,248 --> 00:07:04,303 deterrence efforts and two to send a 183 00:07:04,303 --> 00:07:06,414 clear message uh that we will protect 184 00:07:06,414 --> 00:07:08,470 our forces . We will always maintain 185 00:07:08,470 --> 00:07:10,692 the inherent right of self defense . Uh 186 00:07:10,692 --> 00:07:12,859 And if there is a response , should we 187 00:07:12,859 --> 00:07:14,970 choose to have one ? We would do that 188 00:07:14,970 --> 00:07:17,081 at a time and place of our choosing . 189 00:07:17,081 --> 00:07:19,303 Thank you , Megan . A group of senators 190 00:07:19,303 --> 00:07:21,526 sent a letter to Os D yesterday about a 191 00:07:21,526 --> 00:07:23,748 new over the counter birth control pill 192 00:07:23,748 --> 00:07:25,914 requesting that Tricare cover it . Has 193 00:07:25,914 --> 00:07:28,081 Os D received it and uh does Os D plan 194 00:07:28,081 --> 00:07:30,192 to respond by the end of the month as 195 00:07:30,192 --> 00:07:32,359 the senators requested ? Yeah , thanks 196 00:07:32,359 --> 00:07:32,269 Megan . So I , I don't have anything to 197 00:07:32,279 --> 00:07:34,112 provide on that . I'll take that 198 00:07:34,112 --> 00:07:36,335 question uh as always , we will respond 199 00:07:36,335 --> 00:07:38,390 to Congress appropriately , but I'll 200 00:07:38,390 --> 00:07:40,668 take that question for you . Thank you , 201 00:07:40,668 --> 00:07:42,890 Rio . Oh , thank you very much . Please 202 00:07:42,890 --> 00:07:44,723 let me ask you about China . The 203 00:07:44,723 --> 00:07:46,835 Chinese Defense Minister Lee Shau was 204 00:07:46,835 --> 00:07:48,890 actually removed today . So does the 205 00:07:48,890 --> 00:07:51,059 Pentagon believe the defense top uh 206 00:07:51,070 --> 00:07:53,369 defense leaders engagement between the 207 00:07:53,380 --> 00:07:56,420 US and China is more likely to happen 208 00:07:56,429 --> 00:07:58,880 because the China argues that sanctions 209 00:07:58,890 --> 00:08:02,000 on Mr we was a major star go for the 210 00:08:02,010 --> 00:08:04,121 meeting . Yeah . Thank you for that . 211 00:08:04,121 --> 00:08:06,290 I've seen the press reports um as I'm 212 00:08:06,299 --> 00:08:08,521 sure you can appreciate , I'm not going 213 00:08:08,521 --> 00:08:10,243 to comment on Chinese military 214 00:08:10,243 --> 00:08:13,239 personnel policy or moves . I will say 215 00:08:13,250 --> 00:08:15,519 that we still believe that it is very 216 00:08:15,529 --> 00:08:18,420 important for the senior leaders of our 217 00:08:18,429 --> 00:08:20,485 two nations to continue to engage to 218 00:08:20,485 --> 00:08:22,989 include uh between our two militaries . 219 00:08:23,000 --> 00:08:24,778 And so we will continue to seek 220 00:08:24,778 --> 00:08:26,833 opportunities to keep those lines of 221 00:08:26,833 --> 00:08:29,056 communication open to prevent potential 222 00:08:29,056 --> 00:08:31,222 miscalculation . Thank you very much , 223 00:08:31,222 --> 00:08:33,444 sir . Has the department been preparing 224 00:08:33,444 --> 00:08:35,444 or stepped up preparations for mass 225 00:08:35,444 --> 00:08:38,080 evacuations if the conflict spreads 226 00:08:38,090 --> 00:08:40,257 beyond where , where it is right now . 227 00:08:40,340 --> 00:08:42,173 Yeah . So I don't , I don't have 228 00:08:42,173 --> 00:08:44,340 anything to announce in that regard as 229 00:08:44,340 --> 00:08:44,280 you know , and as you've heard us say 230 00:08:44,289 --> 00:08:46,067 in the past , we are a planning 231 00:08:46,067 --> 00:08:48,289 organization , it's what we do . And so 232 00:08:48,289 --> 00:08:50,511 again , we're going to do due diligence 233 00:08:50,511 --> 00:08:52,511 to ensure that we're planning for a 234 00:08:52,511 --> 00:08:54,567 variety of contingencies . But as it 235 00:08:54,567 --> 00:08:56,511 relates to um the situation in the 236 00:08:56,511 --> 00:08:58,733 Middle , Middle East and us citizens in 237 00:08:58,733 --> 00:09:00,789 our , our embassies are a referee to 238 00:09:00,789 --> 00:09:03,011 State Department . And uh are there any 239 00:09:03,011 --> 00:09:04,956 discussions through intermediaries 240 00:09:04,956 --> 00:09:08,419 between um the US and Iran ? Um So 241 00:09:08,429 --> 00:09:10,485 again , on the diplomatic side , I'd 242 00:09:10,485 --> 00:09:12,262 refer you to state , you know , 243 00:09:12,262 --> 00:09:14,373 certainly from a dod standpoint , our 244 00:09:14,373 --> 00:09:16,318 focus is on communicating with our 245 00:09:16,318 --> 00:09:16,260 partners in the region . Uh You , 246 00:09:16,270 --> 00:09:18,381 you've seen us read out several calls 247 00:09:18,440 --> 00:09:22,070 uh to include one today um with uh the 248 00:09:22,080 --> 00:09:24,191 secretary , I think it was today . It 249 00:09:24,191 --> 00:09:26,302 may have been tomorrow at all borders 250 00:09:26,302 --> 00:09:28,191 together or yesterday rather . Um 251 00:09:28,191 --> 00:09:29,919 Secretary Austin and his Iraqi 252 00:09:29,929 --> 00:09:32,270 counterpart . So again , that continues 253 00:09:32,280 --> 00:09:34,502 to be our , our focus , Carl . Thanks . 254 00:09:34,780 --> 00:09:37,080 We have the latest question . Uh Do you 255 00:09:37,090 --> 00:09:40,359 believe that these at least 13 attacks 256 00:09:40,369 --> 00:09:43,349 on us forces in Iraq and Syria ? Um Do 257 00:09:43,359 --> 00:09:45,415 you believe that Iran is responsible 258 00:09:45,415 --> 00:09:47,637 for these ? Were these all conducted by 259 00:09:47,637 --> 00:09:49,690 Iranian backed proxies ? Well , you 260 00:09:49,700 --> 00:09:52,369 know , I , I think um we've been pretty 261 00:09:52,380 --> 00:09:55,010 clear on this and I and my colleagues 262 00:09:55,020 --> 00:09:57,020 at the White House yesterday talked 263 00:09:57,020 --> 00:09:59,076 about this as well . Um We know that 264 00:09:59,076 --> 00:10:01,298 the groups conducting these attacks are 265 00:10:01,298 --> 00:10:03,940 supported by the I RGC uh and the 266 00:10:03,950 --> 00:10:06,117 Iranian regime . What we are seeing is 267 00:10:06,117 --> 00:10:08,380 the prospect for more significant 268 00:10:08,390 --> 00:10:10,789 escalation against us , forces and 269 00:10:10,799 --> 00:10:13,021 personnel across the region in the very 270 00:10:13,021 --> 00:10:15,320 near term , coming from Iranian proxy 271 00:10:15,330 --> 00:10:18,690 forces and ultimately from Iran . So by 272 00:10:18,700 --> 00:10:20,700 virtue of our announcement over the 273 00:10:20,700 --> 00:10:22,760 weekend , we are preparing for this 274 00:10:22,770 --> 00:10:24,881 escalation both in terms of defending 275 00:10:24,881 --> 00:10:27,409 our forces and responding decisively . 276 00:10:27,419 --> 00:10:29,586 And I just want to emphasize the point 277 00:10:29,586 --> 00:10:31,752 that I made earlier , which is that we 278 00:10:31,752 --> 00:10:33,697 always reserve the right to defend 279 00:10:33,697 --> 00:10:35,919 ourselves and we will never hesitate to 280 00:10:35,919 --> 00:10:38,086 take action when needed to protect our 281 00:10:38,086 --> 00:10:40,141 forces and our interests overseas at 282 00:10:40,141 --> 00:10:42,086 this point . Can you confirm which 283 00:10:42,086 --> 00:10:44,308 Iranian backed militias are responsible 284 00:10:44,308 --> 00:10:46,308 for these attacks ? Again , I'm not 285 00:10:46,308 --> 00:10:48,363 going to go into specifics here from 286 00:10:48,363 --> 00:10:50,530 the podium . Other than to say that we 287 00:10:50,530 --> 00:10:52,475 know that these groups are Iranian 288 00:10:52,475 --> 00:10:54,252 proxy groups . And can we get a 289 00:10:54,252 --> 00:10:56,252 breakdown of the injuries that have 290 00:10:56,252 --> 00:10:58,599 occurred based on these attacks ? And 291 00:10:58,609 --> 00:11:00,969 have there been any T BS that have 292 00:11:00,979 --> 00:11:03,201 occurred as a result of these attacks ? 293 00:11:03,201 --> 00:11:05,479 Again , we'll come back to you on that . 294 00:11:05,479 --> 00:11:07,590 Thank you , Jeff . When were the most 295 00:11:07,590 --> 00:11:10,030 recent attacks , you mentioned 10 in 296 00:11:10,039 --> 00:11:12,200 Iraq three in Syria ? When were the 297 00:11:12,210 --> 00:11:14,154 most recent of these attacks ? And 298 00:11:14,154 --> 00:11:16,266 separately , can you confirm that the 299 00:11:16,266 --> 00:11:18,432 Carney used its five inch gun to shoot 300 00:11:18,432 --> 00:11:20,654 down some of the drones launched by the 301 00:11:20,654 --> 00:11:22,766 Houthis . Yeah . So in terms of the , 302 00:11:22,766 --> 00:11:24,988 the Carney Jeff , I'm just not gonna go 303 00:11:24,988 --> 00:11:27,321 into specifics on its defensive systems . 304 00:11:27,321 --> 00:11:30,049 Um , and as far as the attacks go , um , 305 00:11:30,140 --> 00:11:32,307 I can confirm , you know , and , and I 306 00:11:32,307 --> 00:11:34,418 think I talked about this yesterday , 307 00:11:34,418 --> 00:11:36,640 um , we had the , uh , attempted attack 308 00:11:36,640 --> 00:11:40,280 at , on to garrison in Syria , uh , no 309 00:11:40,289 --> 00:11:42,640 casualties or damage to infrastructure . 310 00:11:43,030 --> 00:11:46,409 Um , I , I am aware that there are um 311 00:11:46,419 --> 00:11:48,419 data minor alerts out there talking 312 00:11:48,419 --> 00:11:50,586 about another potential attack today . 313 00:11:50,586 --> 00:11:52,752 So we're , we're looking into that . I 314 00:11:52,752 --> 00:11:54,697 just don't have any information to 315 00:11:54,697 --> 00:11:56,863 provide , but again , it is our intent 316 00:11:56,863 --> 00:11:59,086 uh to be able to confirm the details of 317 00:11:59,086 --> 00:12:01,141 these attacks uh since they've begun 318 00:12:01,141 --> 00:12:03,197 and make that available to the press 319 00:12:03,197 --> 00:12:05,475 and to the public . So that 22 reasons , 320 00:12:05,475 --> 00:12:07,641 one , you asked the question and two , 321 00:12:07,641 --> 00:12:09,752 we're very sensitive to the fact that 322 00:12:09,752 --> 00:12:11,752 there's a lot of misinformation out 323 00:12:11,752 --> 00:12:13,863 there right now about whether attacks 324 00:12:13,863 --> 00:12:13,450 have occurred or not . And so we'd like 325 00:12:13,460 --> 00:12:15,627 to have something in the public record 326 00:12:15,627 --> 00:12:18,289 so that we can have a basis for truth 327 00:12:18,299 --> 00:12:20,632 uh as we go forward on this . Thank you , 328 00:12:20,929 --> 00:12:23,207 Chris . And then I'll come back to you , 329 00:12:23,207 --> 00:12:25,369 Joe . Thanks pa uh a couple of 330 00:12:25,380 --> 00:12:27,559 questions uh just to follow up on , on 331 00:12:27,570 --> 00:12:31,400 the attacks . Um Do you have uh or did 332 00:12:31,409 --> 00:12:33,520 any of the attacks in Syria come from 333 00:12:33,530 --> 00:12:37,030 inside Iraq ? Do you , um Of course , 334 00:12:37,039 --> 00:12:39,206 right now , I , I just don't have that 335 00:12:39,206 --> 00:12:41,317 level of detail to provide . Ok . And 336 00:12:41,317 --> 00:12:43,409 then , um , second question , um , 337 00:12:43,520 --> 00:12:45,840 you've highlighted there is a very near 338 00:12:45,849 --> 00:12:48,020 term threat . Um , but it will take 339 00:12:48,030 --> 00:12:50,252 some time for these additional forces , 340 00:12:50,252 --> 00:12:52,380 the carrier um , to arrive . So what 341 00:12:52,390 --> 00:12:55,909 steps are you taking right now in near 342 00:12:55,919 --> 00:12:58,344 term deterrence , uh , to prevent 343 00:12:58,354 --> 00:13:00,755 prevent attacks ? Yeah . So to be clear , 344 00:13:00,765 --> 00:13:03,385 um , we have significant capabilities 345 00:13:03,395 --> 00:13:05,544 in the theater right now , right ? I 346 00:13:05,554 --> 00:13:07,610 mean , you've got the Ford that's in 347 00:13:07,610 --> 00:13:09,776 the eastern Mediterranean . You've got 348 00:13:09,776 --> 00:13:12,044 an expanded number of fighter aircraft 349 00:13:12,054 --> 00:13:14,221 throughout the region . In addition to 350 00:13:14,221 --> 00:13:16,276 the naval assets that are already in 351 00:13:16,276 --> 00:13:18,276 the central command a or so , there 352 00:13:18,276 --> 00:13:20,332 should be no confusion uh whether or 353 00:13:20,332 --> 00:13:22,665 not , you know , we have the ability to , 354 00:13:22,665 --> 00:13:24,665 to respond to any potential threats 355 00:13:24,665 --> 00:13:26,776 right now , the announcement over the 356 00:13:26,776 --> 00:13:28,887 weekend as it highlighted is intended 357 00:13:28,887 --> 00:13:30,776 to enhance those capabilities and 358 00:13:30,776 --> 00:13:33,049 sustain those capabilities for as long 359 00:13:33,059 --> 00:13:35,320 as we may need in order to continue to 360 00:13:35,330 --> 00:13:37,559 both deter and protect our troops . And 361 00:13:37,570 --> 00:13:39,737 one final quick question , do you have 362 00:13:39,737 --> 00:13:41,979 an update on the number of C 17 flights 363 00:13:41,989 --> 00:13:44,565 that have gone into Israel ? I do not , 364 00:13:44,575 --> 00:13:47,135 I do not . I , I can tell you that we 365 00:13:47,145 --> 00:13:49,034 are conducting regular near daily 366 00:13:49,034 --> 00:13:51,256 missions to provide them with support , 367 00:13:51,256 --> 00:13:53,423 but I can take that question and , and 368 00:13:53,423 --> 00:13:55,645 we'll see what we're able to provide on 369 00:13:55,645 --> 00:13:55,135 that . Let me go to Joe and I need to 370 00:13:55,145 --> 00:13:57,478 come back to the phone here . Thank you . 371 00:13:57,478 --> 00:14:00,155 Uh Quick question , would you say on 372 00:14:00,164 --> 00:14:02,215 the record if the houthis 373 00:14:03,380 --> 00:14:06,880 have midrange uh missiles that can 374 00:14:06,890 --> 00:14:09,890 reach Israel ? Yeah , thanks Joe . So , 375 00:14:09,900 --> 00:14:12,011 so I'm not really able to get into uh 376 00:14:12,020 --> 00:14:14,909 specific intelligence . Um I can tell 377 00:14:14,919 --> 00:14:18,700 you that um it's our assessment uh 378 00:14:18,710 --> 00:14:20,766 that the range of those missiles was 379 00:14:20,770 --> 00:14:24,489 likely uh in excess of 200 kilometers , 380 00:14:26,929 --> 00:14:30,690 250 that , yeah , we have 381 00:14:30,900 --> 00:14:34,809 uh two . Yeah . Ok . Let me go to the 382 00:14:34,820 --> 00:14:38,650 phone here . Um Look , I 383 00:14:38,659 --> 00:14:40,770 studied advertising at the University 384 00:14:40,770 --> 00:14:42,992 of Florida . Ok . Please do not make me 385 00:14:42,992 --> 00:14:45,215 do math up here . All right . Um Let me 386 00:14:45,215 --> 00:14:47,103 go to uh Jared from all monitor . 387 00:14:49,049 --> 00:14:51,160 Hi , sir , thanks for doing this . Um 388 00:14:51,429 --> 00:14:53,318 There have been some news reports 389 00:14:53,318 --> 00:14:55,651 including in my outlet that uh you know , 390 00:14:55,651 --> 00:14:57,873 citing Israeli officials as saying that 391 00:14:57,873 --> 00:14:59,985 essentially while they , they greatly 392 00:14:59,985 --> 00:15:02,151 appreciate the US military support and 393 00:15:02,151 --> 00:15:05,070 coordinations uh that they feel that in 394 00:15:05,080 --> 00:15:07,429 order to maintain deterrence Israel as 395 00:15:07,440 --> 00:15:09,662 a state in the Middle East neighborhood 396 00:15:09,662 --> 00:15:11,829 that they , they have really no choice 397 00:15:11,829 --> 00:15:13,996 but to go ahead with the Gaza campaign 398 00:15:13,996 --> 00:15:15,718 uh ground incursion . Does the 399 00:15:15,718 --> 00:15:18,520 department share that ? Well , look , 400 00:15:18,530 --> 00:15:21,440 I'm not gonna speak for Israel . Um I , 401 00:15:21,469 --> 00:15:23,636 I think it's important to remember how 402 00:15:23,636 --> 00:15:25,849 we we got here . Uh So first of all , 403 00:15:26,090 --> 00:15:29,260 um we have had a very long standing 404 00:15:29,270 --> 00:15:32,700 relationship with Israel uh and have 405 00:15:32,710 --> 00:15:34,659 worked together for many years to 406 00:15:34,669 --> 00:15:36,900 ensure our mutual security in the 407 00:15:36,909 --> 00:15:39,530 region . Um A as I highlighted earlier 408 00:15:39,539 --> 00:15:42,429 on October 7th Israel was attacked by 409 00:15:42,440 --> 00:15:46,090 Hamas uh in a , in a brutal uh and 410 00:15:46,099 --> 00:15:49,409 cruel attack . And so since that day , 411 00:15:49,419 --> 00:15:52,130 we have worked hard to ensure that we 412 00:15:52,140 --> 00:15:54,210 are working closely with Israel to 413 00:15:54,219 --> 00:15:56,441 understand what their defense needs are 414 00:15:56,441 --> 00:15:58,552 to restore security and protect their 415 00:15:58,552 --> 00:16:00,608 people . And so that continues to be 416 00:16:00,608 --> 00:16:02,775 our focus . Uh Let me go to James , uh 417 00:16:02,775 --> 00:16:05,270 the messenger . Uh I appreciate the 418 00:16:05,280 --> 00:16:07,169 opportunity . Uh The question was 419 00:16:07,169 --> 00:16:09,391 answered . Thank you . Thank you . Come 420 00:16:09,391 --> 00:16:11,447 back to the room . Yes , ma'am . How 421 00:16:11,447 --> 00:16:13,669 involved was OS D and Google's decision 422 00:16:13,669 --> 00:16:15,780 to disable live traffic conditions in 423 00:16:15,780 --> 00:16:17,900 Israel and the Gaza Strip at the 424 00:16:17,909 --> 00:16:19,760 request of the ID F ahead of a 425 00:16:19,770 --> 00:16:21,909 potential ground invasion . Yes , I'm 426 00:16:21,919 --> 00:16:24,086 not , I'm not tracking any involvement 427 00:16:24,086 --> 00:16:27,780 from dod on that . So separately is the 428 00:16:27,789 --> 00:16:29,789 defense department providing Israel 429 00:16:29,789 --> 00:16:31,900 with Phoenix Ghost or other loitering 430 00:16:31,900 --> 00:16:33,956 munitions . And in that light is the 431 00:16:33,956 --> 00:16:36,049 department supplying new or emerging 432 00:16:36,059 --> 00:16:37,837 tech weapons that have not been 433 00:16:37,837 --> 00:16:40,115 deployed by us forces in conflicts yet . 434 00:16:40,115 --> 00:16:42,170 Yeah , I mean , you've heard me talk 435 00:16:42,170 --> 00:16:44,226 about the kinds of capabilities that 436 00:16:44,226 --> 00:16:46,281 providing . So I don't have anything 437 00:16:46,281 --> 00:16:48,448 additional to announce at this at this 438 00:16:48,448 --> 00:16:50,392 point in time . As we've said , we 439 00:16:50,392 --> 00:16:52,392 continue to remain in close contact 440 00:16:52,392 --> 00:16:54,503 with Israel , for example , Secretary 441 00:16:54,503 --> 00:16:56,670 Austin , talking on a near daily basis 442 00:16:56,670 --> 00:16:56,294 with the Minister of Defense there to 443 00:16:56,304 --> 00:16:58,415 understand what their needs are . And 444 00:16:58,415 --> 00:17:00,415 so as we have new capabilities that 445 00:17:00,415 --> 00:17:02,360 they request uh that we're able to 446 00:17:02,360 --> 00:17:04,526 announce , we certainly will do that . 447 00:17:04,526 --> 00:17:07,415 Thank you two questions . So yesterday , 448 00:17:07,425 --> 00:17:10,655 there was one report of quoting 449 00:17:10,944 --> 00:17:14,560 us official that Israel is delaying its 450 00:17:14,569 --> 00:17:16,959 uh encouraging to Gaza to give the US 451 00:17:17,030 --> 00:17:20,699 uh more time to prepare for a wide uh 452 00:17:20,709 --> 00:17:22,989 escalation or conflict in the region . 453 00:17:23,349 --> 00:17:26,189 Um Do you have a comment on , on that 454 00:17:26,359 --> 00:17:28,303 report ? I saw those , I saw those 455 00:17:28,303 --> 00:17:30,359 press reports like I , I'll be clear 456 00:17:30,359 --> 00:17:32,581 again . Uh It's Israel's decision as to 457 00:17:32,581 --> 00:17:35,050 when uh they and how they conduct their 458 00:17:35,060 --> 00:17:37,180 operations . Uh the relationship 459 00:17:37,189 --> 00:17:39,569 between the United States and Israel 460 00:17:39,579 --> 00:17:41,599 right now is focused on again , 461 00:17:41,609 --> 00:17:43,776 understanding what their defense needs 462 00:17:43,776 --> 00:17:45,776 are , uh and making sure that we're 463 00:17:45,776 --> 00:17:47,665 able to , to support them in that 464 00:17:47,665 --> 00:17:49,165 regard , but we're also uh 465 00:17:49,165 --> 00:17:50,776 communicating with them as I 466 00:17:50,776 --> 00:17:53,329 highlighted earlier in terms of uh 467 00:17:53,339 --> 00:17:55,719 providing uh those kinds of thoughtful 468 00:17:55,729 --> 00:17:57,896 questions and things to consider based 469 00:17:57,896 --> 00:18:00,750 on our lessons in urban combat . Uh And 470 00:18:00,760 --> 00:18:03,449 so , uh and then also emphasizing the 471 00:18:03,459 --> 00:18:05,770 importance of mitigating civilian 472 00:18:05,780 --> 00:18:08,880 casualties in light of the situation in . 473 00:18:08,890 --> 00:18:11,449 And so that continues to be our focus . 474 00:18:12,380 --> 00:18:14,269 You talked about deterrence , you 475 00:18:14,269 --> 00:18:16,547 talked about what was announced in the , 476 00:18:16,547 --> 00:18:18,658 and although it could be looked at it 477 00:18:18,658 --> 00:18:21,305 as more like defensive assets , uh not 478 00:18:21,344 --> 00:18:23,400 offensive assets in terms of tha and 479 00:18:23,400 --> 00:18:25,233 Patriot . But as you highlighted 480 00:18:25,233 --> 00:18:27,935 between October 17 and October 24 481 00:18:27,994 --> 00:18:30,545 there's been 13 attacks on us forces in 482 00:18:30,555 --> 00:18:32,814 Iraq and Syria . Um 483 00:18:34,550 --> 00:18:37,689 I , I don't know what your view is on 484 00:18:37,699 --> 00:18:40,050 deterrence and how deterrence works and 485 00:18:40,060 --> 00:18:41,893 whether this is a case of failed 486 00:18:41,893 --> 00:18:44,089 deterrence . But my question to you is 487 00:18:44,140 --> 00:18:47,920 do you assess at this moment ? How 488 00:18:49,180 --> 00:18:51,560 big are the chances that this conflict 489 00:18:51,569 --> 00:18:54,479 could be widened based on the reaction 490 00:18:54,569 --> 00:18:57,400 from , uh , groups that are attacking 491 00:18:57,410 --> 00:19:00,459 the US ? So a couple of things there 492 00:19:00,469 --> 00:19:02,691 and let me just kind of break it down . 493 00:19:02,691 --> 00:19:06,180 Um So first of all , to your point , uh 494 00:19:06,189 --> 00:19:08,133 our focus there , there's a couple 495 00:19:08,133 --> 00:19:10,245 different things at play here . And I 496 00:19:10,245 --> 00:19:12,356 think it's important to separate them 497 00:19:12,356 --> 00:19:12,119 into their parts . There's the 498 00:19:12,130 --> 00:19:15,099 situation with Israel and Hamas and 499 00:19:15,109 --> 00:19:17,053 their efforts to defend themselves 500 00:19:17,053 --> 00:19:19,709 against Hamas . Uh And so as I 501 00:19:19,719 --> 00:19:21,886 mentioned , the top , we're focused on 502 00:19:21,886 --> 00:19:23,886 supporting their defensive needs in 503 00:19:23,886 --> 00:19:26,430 order to protect their people . Um when , 504 00:19:26,439 --> 00:19:28,780 as we put these additional assets into 505 00:19:28,790 --> 00:19:31,012 the region , it again is meant to deter 506 00:19:31,012 --> 00:19:34,030 a wider conflict and to message those 507 00:19:34,040 --> 00:19:36,390 who might seek to make it a regional 508 00:19:36,400 --> 00:19:38,456 conflict . Uh That , that would be a 509 00:19:38,456 --> 00:19:41,030 very bad idea . OK . Those capabilities 510 00:19:41,040 --> 00:19:43,829 give us options . They give us a wide 511 00:19:43,839 --> 00:19:46,280 range of capabilities to respond to a 512 00:19:46,290 --> 00:19:48,959 multitude of potential contingencies . 513 00:19:49,329 --> 00:19:51,551 Uh You heard me talk yesterday , no one 514 00:19:51,551 --> 00:19:53,930 wants a broader regional conflict . And 515 00:19:53,939 --> 00:19:56,260 so we're gonna continue to not only 516 00:19:56,270 --> 00:19:58,437 ensure that we have those capabilities 517 00:19:58,437 --> 00:20:00,103 in the region but continue to 518 00:20:00,103 --> 00:20:02,270 communicate clearly with our partners 519 00:20:02,280 --> 00:20:04,502 and our allies throughout the region uh 520 00:20:04,502 --> 00:20:06,959 directly . And then also via messaging 521 00:20:06,969 --> 00:20:08,979 of these capabilities to potential 522 00:20:08,989 --> 00:20:11,322 adversaries or bad actors in the region . 523 00:20:11,800 --> 00:20:15,020 Separately , we have forces in Iraq and 524 00:20:15,030 --> 00:20:17,197 Syria that are there for one purpose . 525 00:20:17,197 --> 00:20:19,390 Only our forces in Iraq are there at 526 00:20:19,400 --> 00:20:21,400 the invitation of the government of 527 00:20:21,400 --> 00:20:24,260 Iraq to assist them in the campaign to 528 00:20:24,270 --> 00:20:27,020 defeat ISIS to ensure the lasting 529 00:20:27,030 --> 00:20:29,380 defeat of ISIS . Our forces in Syria 530 00:20:29,390 --> 00:20:31,660 are there as part of the campaign to 531 00:20:31,670 --> 00:20:35,180 the , to ensure the enduring defeat of 532 00:20:35,189 --> 00:20:38,339 Isis . So as you see these uh Iranian 533 00:20:38,349 --> 00:20:40,689 proxy groups , and it's not the , not 534 00:20:40,699 --> 00:20:42,810 the first time that they've done this 535 00:20:42,810 --> 00:20:45,119 attempt to destabilize , attempt to 536 00:20:45,130 --> 00:20:48,150 divert attention . Um What I'm saying 537 00:20:48,160 --> 00:20:50,160 is that we are going to take 538 00:20:50,170 --> 00:20:52,170 appropriate measures to protect our 539 00:20:52,170 --> 00:20:55,140 people uh so that they can stay focused 540 00:20:55,150 --> 00:20:58,560 on the mission . So um right now , this 541 00:20:58,569 --> 00:21:01,380 conflict in Israel is contained to 542 00:21:01,390 --> 00:21:04,930 Israel and , and Israel fighting Hamas 543 00:21:05,219 --> 00:21:07,441 and that will continue to be a focus of 544 00:21:07,441 --> 00:21:09,386 ours . But we're also not going to 545 00:21:09,386 --> 00:21:11,386 hesitate to protect our people when 546 00:21:11,386 --> 00:21:13,497 they're in harm's way doing important 547 00:21:13,497 --> 00:21:15,497 national security missions like the 548 00:21:15,497 --> 00:21:17,830 defeat ISIS mission . Thank you , Laura , 549 00:21:17,830 --> 00:21:20,199 thanks Pat . Um Just to clarify on the 550 00:21:20,209 --> 00:21:22,630 missile in um that was launched from 551 00:21:22,640 --> 00:21:24,862 the Houthis , you said it was , it , it 552 00:21:24,862 --> 00:21:27,680 ranges in excess of 2000 kilometers . 553 00:21:27,689 --> 00:21:29,920 Is that correct ? So you , you assess 554 00:21:29,930 --> 00:21:31,708 that , that the Houthis do have 555 00:21:31,708 --> 00:21:33,541 missiles that can reach Israel , 556 00:21:33,541 --> 00:21:36,229 correct ? And , and again , I think uh 557 00:21:36,239 --> 00:21:38,689 to highlight what I said , earlier and 558 00:21:38,880 --> 00:21:40,824 I think it was this week , I don't 559 00:21:40,824 --> 00:21:42,880 remember the time . All blurs . Um , 560 00:21:42,880 --> 00:21:45,102 but when we talked earlier about this , 561 00:21:45,102 --> 00:21:47,500 um , we still cannot say for certain , 562 00:21:47,569 --> 00:21:49,569 uh , what those missiles and drones 563 00:21:49,569 --> 00:21:52,839 were targeting . Um , but um , 564 00:21:53,530 --> 00:21:55,819 that , that those missiles were within 565 00:21:55,829 --> 00:21:58,010 range of that ship . Uh , the Carney 566 00:21:58,020 --> 00:22:01,040 and so the Carney made the decision to 567 00:22:01,050 --> 00:22:03,050 take those missiles down . Have you 568 00:22:03,050 --> 00:22:05,829 seen any other such incidents involving 569 00:22:05,839 --> 00:22:07,950 those types of missiles ? No , not at 570 00:22:07,950 --> 00:22:10,729 this time . The uh the munitions 571 00:22:10,739 --> 00:22:13,739 requirements for Israel and Ukraine are 572 00:22:13,750 --> 00:22:15,750 for the most part , not in conflict 573 00:22:15,750 --> 00:22:17,900 with the exception of 1.5 millimeter 574 00:22:17,910 --> 00:22:20,650 howitzer rounds . What's the Pentagon 575 00:22:20,660 --> 00:22:22,882 Defense Department doing to ensure that 576 00:22:22,882 --> 00:22:25,216 their needs as well as us military zone , 577 00:22:25,216 --> 00:22:27,689 internal needs to have a supply of the 578 00:22:27,699 --> 00:22:29,859 of those rounds are on hand . Yeah , 579 00:22:29,869 --> 00:22:32,520 great question . So a couple of things , 580 00:22:32,530 --> 00:22:35,670 um a as you know , we have been working 581 00:22:35,680 --> 00:22:37,902 closely with industry , not only in the 582 00:22:37,910 --> 00:22:39,966 United States , but working with our 583 00:22:39,966 --> 00:22:41,799 allies and partners uh and their 584 00:22:41,799 --> 00:22:45,739 defense industrial base uh to 585 00:22:45,750 --> 00:22:48,640 look at ramping up production of 155 . 586 00:22:48,650 --> 00:22:50,810 In fact , uh just last week , the 587 00:22:50,819 --> 00:22:53,500 National Armaments directors again met 588 00:22:53,729 --> 00:22:56,979 uh as part of the uh Ukraine defense 589 00:22:56,989 --> 00:23:00,979 contact group um process to 590 00:23:00,989 --> 00:23:03,267 again , look at how we can continue to , 591 00:23:03,267 --> 00:23:05,433 to increase that production . We are , 592 00:23:05,433 --> 00:23:07,600 we are confident that we can meet both 593 00:23:07,600 --> 00:23:09,839 Israel's needs and Ukraine's needs 594 00:23:09,849 --> 00:23:11,819 going forward . Uh I would also 595 00:23:11,829 --> 00:23:14,920 highlight again , as you know , uh the 596 00:23:14,930 --> 00:23:17,459 uh the White House provided a 597 00:23:17,469 --> 00:23:19,890 supplemental last week , a request to 598 00:23:19,900 --> 00:23:22,011 Congress for additional funding . And 599 00:23:22,011 --> 00:23:24,233 so of course , uh those resources would 600 00:23:24,233 --> 00:23:26,122 be very welcome in terms of going 601 00:23:26,122 --> 00:23:28,178 forward to ensure that we're able to 602 00:23:28,178 --> 00:23:30,011 continue to provide the level of 603 00:23:30,011 --> 00:23:31,900 support that we need to , to both 604 00:23:31,900 --> 00:23:34,011 Ukraine and Israel . But , but we are 605 00:23:34,011 --> 00:23:36,178 confident that we have what we need to 606 00:23:36,178 --> 00:23:38,178 be able to support them at the same 607 00:23:38,178 --> 00:23:39,956 time , ensure that our military 608 00:23:39,956 --> 00:23:41,956 readiness uh stays at the threshold 609 00:23:41,956 --> 00:23:43,678 that it needs to , we will not 610 00:23:43,678 --> 00:23:45,733 sacrifice our own military readiness 611 00:23:45,733 --> 00:23:47,956 when it comes to defending the nation . 612 00:23:47,956 --> 00:23:47,819 Thank you . Let me go back to the phone 613 00:23:47,829 --> 00:23:50,599 here . Uh JJ uh WTO P . 614 00:23:52,079 --> 00:23:54,246 Yeah , thanks general for doing this . 615 00:23:54,246 --> 00:23:57,060 Um You said um yesterday and you said 616 00:23:57,069 --> 00:23:59,260 again today that what we are seeing is 617 00:23:59,270 --> 00:24:01,310 the prospect for more significant 618 00:24:01,319 --> 00:24:03,263 escalation against us , forces and 619 00:24:03,263 --> 00:24:05,486 personnel across the region in the near 620 00:24:05,486 --> 00:24:07,650 term coming from Iranian proxy forces 621 00:24:07,660 --> 00:24:10,530 and ultimately from Iran . When you say 622 00:24:10,540 --> 00:24:13,579 that , do you mean um Iranian forces 623 00:24:13,589 --> 00:24:16,979 making direct attacks on us forces ? 624 00:24:16,989 --> 00:24:19,319 And are you seeing evidence that 625 00:24:19,329 --> 00:24:21,607 they're planning or preparing for that ? 626 00:24:21,800 --> 00:24:23,856 Yeah , thanks JJ . Uh You know , I , 627 00:24:23,856 --> 00:24:26,078 I'm not gonna get into hypotheticals at 628 00:24:26,078 --> 00:24:28,244 this point . I , I think my , my words 629 00:24:28,244 --> 00:24:30,411 speak for themselves in terms of , you 630 00:24:30,411 --> 00:24:32,467 know , we , we are continuing to see 631 00:24:32,467 --> 00:24:34,578 the prospect for increased escalation 632 00:24:34,578 --> 00:24:36,578 in light of the , the tensions . Uh 633 00:24:36,578 --> 00:24:38,800 throughout the region , uh , with these 634 00:24:38,800 --> 00:24:41,022 groups attempting to exploit that . And 635 00:24:41,022 --> 00:24:42,967 so , uh , you know , so far , uh , 636 00:24:42,967 --> 00:24:45,078 we've seen these Iranian proxy groups 637 00:24:45,078 --> 00:24:47,229 in Iraq and Syria , uh , conducting 638 00:24:47,239 --> 00:24:49,461 these attacks and , and I'll just leave 639 00:24:49,461 --> 00:24:51,572 it at that . All right . Let me go to 640 00:24:51,572 --> 00:24:53,859 John is a New York Times . Yes . Hi . I 641 00:24:53,869 --> 00:24:56,091 was wondering if you can tell me , uh , 642 00:24:56,091 --> 00:24:58,258 a little bit about what the Carney was 643 00:24:58,258 --> 00:25:00,670 doing before . Uh , she took defensive 644 00:25:00,680 --> 00:25:02,810 actions and uh what she's been doing 645 00:25:02,819 --> 00:25:05,839 since . Yeah , thanks John . Um , so 646 00:25:05,849 --> 00:25:09,180 she was sailing . I'm just kidding . Uh 647 00:25:09,189 --> 00:25:11,640 I don't , I don't have any uh specifics 648 00:25:11,650 --> 00:25:13,650 to provide in terms of , you know , 649 00:25:13,650 --> 00:25:15,539 beyond . Uh obviously , we have a 650 00:25:15,540 --> 00:25:17,707 variety of assets in the region as you 651 00:25:17,707 --> 00:25:20,619 know , uh that are , are supporting our 652 00:25:20,630 --> 00:25:24,199 um both national security interests and 653 00:25:24,209 --> 00:25:26,599 our regional security interest . Um , 654 00:25:26,609 --> 00:25:28,442 in terms of the , the current uh 655 00:25:28,442 --> 00:25:30,498 disposition of the ship . Uh I don't 656 00:25:30,498 --> 00:25:32,720 have anything to provide on that at the 657 00:25:32,720 --> 00:25:34,831 moment . Uh Let me go to Phil Stewart 658 00:25:34,831 --> 00:25:33,989 Reuters . 659 00:25:38,689 --> 00:25:40,911 Hey there , thank you . Um Just a quick 660 00:25:40,911 --> 00:25:43,133 clarification . I thought initially you 661 00:25:43,133 --> 00:25:45,133 said that the missile had an excess 662 00:25:45,133 --> 00:25:47,022 range of 200 and then I think you 663 00:25:47,022 --> 00:25:49,078 confirmed that you , you said it was 664 00:25:49,078 --> 00:25:51,189 over 2000 . I wanna make sure which , 665 00:25:51,189 --> 00:25:50,949 which one of those it was . And then 666 00:25:50,959 --> 00:25:54,150 secondly , uh last night , uh yesterday , 667 00:25:54,160 --> 00:25:56,630 the a senior defense official briefed 668 00:25:56,640 --> 00:25:59,270 uh all of us uh that Iran would be held 669 00:25:59,280 --> 00:26:02,770 accountable um for uh for these attacks . 670 00:26:02,839 --> 00:26:05,061 I'm just wondering if you could explain 671 00:26:05,061 --> 00:26:07,117 what that means . Thank you . Yeah , 672 00:26:07,117 --> 00:26:09,479 thanks . Um So , yes , 2000 . Um and 673 00:26:09,489 --> 00:26:13,390 then in terms of um accountability , 674 00:26:13,400 --> 00:26:16,930 again , look , I'm not gonna um discuss 675 00:26:16,939 --> 00:26:20,170 um you know , particular actions we 676 00:26:20,180 --> 00:26:22,291 could or might take other than to say 677 00:26:22,291 --> 00:26:24,513 again , we will do everything necessary 678 00:26:24,513 --> 00:26:26,624 uh to protect and defend our forces . 679 00:26:26,624 --> 00:26:28,810 Uh If and when uh we would decide to 680 00:26:28,819 --> 00:26:31,119 respond , uh we will do so do so at a 681 00:26:31,130 --> 00:26:33,297 time and place of our choosing . Thank 682 00:26:33,297 --> 00:26:35,519 you . All right . Time for a few more . 683 00:26:35,519 --> 00:26:37,800 Yes , sir . Thanks General . So when 684 00:26:37,810 --> 00:26:39,866 the Biden administration and the dod 685 00:26:39,866 --> 00:26:42,032 say they're confident that Israel will 686 00:26:42,032 --> 00:26:44,143 follow the law of war , I'm wondering 687 00:26:44,143 --> 00:26:46,254 which law is being referred to here . 688 00:26:46,254 --> 00:26:46,010 Is it like the Geneva Convention , the 689 00:26:46,020 --> 00:26:49,369 United Nations IC C ? Um Last week , we 690 00:26:49,380 --> 00:26:51,489 saw an Israeli strike hit the Saint 691 00:26:51,500 --> 00:26:53,709 Porphyry Greek Orthodox church which 692 00:26:53,719 --> 00:26:55,941 killed about 18 , including some family 693 00:26:55,941 --> 00:26:58,163 members of former US Congressman Justin 694 00:26:58,163 --> 00:26:59,997 Amash . So I'm just wondering if 695 00:26:59,997 --> 00:27:02,219 attacks like those are in line with the 696 00:27:02,219 --> 00:27:04,386 laws of war that the dod is applying . 697 00:27:04,386 --> 00:27:06,489 So I I'll let Israel talk to its 698 00:27:06,500 --> 00:27:09,109 operations uh in our communications 699 00:27:09,119 --> 00:27:12,130 with the Israelis . Again , we continue 700 00:27:12,140 --> 00:27:14,579 to encourage them to abide by the laws 701 00:27:14,589 --> 00:27:17,109 of war . Uh We are both democracies , 702 00:27:17,119 --> 00:27:19,341 we are both professional militaries and 703 00:27:19,341 --> 00:27:22,089 we understand the importance of , of 704 00:27:22,099 --> 00:27:25,209 doing so . Um Again , I will also 705 00:27:25,219 --> 00:27:27,550 highlight the challenges here with 706 00:27:27,560 --> 00:27:29,504 urban warfare . I will highlight , 707 00:27:29,504 --> 00:27:32,439 we've made very clear that the 708 00:27:32,449 --> 00:27:34,540 Palestinians are not Hamas and that 709 00:27:34,550 --> 00:27:37,229 Hamas are not the Palestinians . And it 710 00:27:37,239 --> 00:27:39,640 is very , very unfortunate that we see 711 00:27:39,650 --> 00:27:41,872 a terrorist group who embeds themselves 712 00:27:41,872 --> 00:27:43,983 within a civilian population in order 713 00:27:43,983 --> 00:27:46,699 to protect and hide . Um , but again , 714 00:27:46,709 --> 00:27:48,987 in our conversations with the Israelis , 715 00:27:48,987 --> 00:27:51,153 uh , a , as we made very clear , we're 716 00:27:51,153 --> 00:27:53,320 continuing to highlight the importance 717 00:27:53,320 --> 00:27:55,487 of mitigating civilian casualties , uh 718 00:27:55,487 --> 00:27:57,487 and ensuring that , um , that , you 719 00:27:57,487 --> 00:27:59,709 know , for example , things like safety 720 00:27:59,709 --> 00:27:59,520 corridors are , are thought through . 721 00:28:00,030 --> 00:28:02,086 Could you speak a little bit on , on 722 00:28:02,086 --> 00:28:04,419 which laws of war are being applied for ? 723 00:28:04,419 --> 00:28:06,474 You know , those of us assessing the 724 00:28:06,474 --> 00:28:08,308 war . I'm not going to go into a 725 00:28:08,308 --> 00:28:10,540 doctrinal discussion about uh the laws 726 00:28:10,550 --> 00:28:12,661 of war . I think , you know , we , we 727 00:28:12,661 --> 00:28:14,883 all know what we're talking about . Law 728 00:28:14,883 --> 00:28:17,106 of armed conflict . Uh And yeah , thank 729 00:28:17,106 --> 00:28:19,161 you , sir . Thanks general . Uh from 730 00:28:19,161 --> 00:28:20,939 the beginning , the US has been 731 00:28:20,939 --> 00:28:22,939 supporting Israel with the military 732 00:28:22,939 --> 00:28:25,209 needs , uh and equipments with the 733 00:28:25,219 --> 00:28:28,089 munitions . And now you have uh 734 00:28:28,099 --> 00:28:31,349 expertise helping the Israeli ID f uh 735 00:28:31,359 --> 00:28:34,770 to conduct their operation , possible 736 00:28:34,780 --> 00:28:37,569 operation in Gaza . So this is adding 737 00:28:37,579 --> 00:28:40,780 your responsibility uh against the 738 00:28:40,790 --> 00:28:43,979 civilian casualties in the region . Uh 739 00:28:43,989 --> 00:28:47,729 More . So what are these experts 740 00:28:47,739 --> 00:28:50,180 are going to , uh what kind of role are 741 00:28:50,189 --> 00:28:52,410 they going to play in terms of uh 742 00:28:52,430 --> 00:28:55,630 minimizing civilian casualties or are 743 00:28:55,640 --> 00:28:59,079 they going to help uh the civilian 744 00:28:59,160 --> 00:29:01,959 casualties to be to decrease in the uh 745 00:29:01,969 --> 00:29:04,930 in a possible operation . So let me , 746 00:29:04,939 --> 00:29:08,619 let me just uh kind of uh push back on 747 00:29:08,630 --> 00:29:10,741 a little bit of what you said there . 748 00:29:10,741 --> 00:29:12,630 So to be clear , these , these um 749 00:29:12,630 --> 00:29:14,979 subject matter experts are not there to 750 00:29:15,089 --> 00:29:17,380 help the Israelis conduct their 751 00:29:17,390 --> 00:29:19,550 operations , they're not in any way , 752 00:29:19,680 --> 00:29:21,540 actively participating in , in 753 00:29:21,550 --> 00:29:23,661 operations . Again , they're there to 754 00:29:23,661 --> 00:29:25,383 advise . And I think it's also 755 00:29:25,383 --> 00:29:27,606 important to put in the context that we 756 00:29:27,606 --> 00:29:29,661 have had . As you highlighted a long 757 00:29:29,661 --> 00:29:31,439 many year relationship with the 758 00:29:31,439 --> 00:29:33,161 Israelis , we frequently share 759 00:29:33,161 --> 00:29:35,161 information with one another and it 760 00:29:35,161 --> 00:29:37,106 really works both ways in terms of 761 00:29:37,106 --> 00:29:39,272 lessons learned . Um But again , given 762 00:29:39,272 --> 00:29:42,140 the expertise in conducting warfare in 763 00:29:42,150 --> 00:29:44,206 dense urban environments , in places 764 00:29:44,206 --> 00:29:46,589 like Iraq , sharing those lessons 765 00:29:46,599 --> 00:29:49,209 learned uh to include the importance of 766 00:29:49,219 --> 00:29:51,275 doing everything you can to mitigate 767 00:29:51,275 --> 00:29:53,760 civilian casualties . Um You know , and , 768 00:29:53,770 --> 00:29:55,826 and Secretary Austin in fact , spoke 769 00:29:55,826 --> 00:29:58,048 about this when he was in Israel during 770 00:29:58,048 --> 00:30:00,214 his press conference talking about his 771 00:30:00,214 --> 00:30:02,270 own experiences in places like Mosul 772 00:30:02,270 --> 00:30:04,492 and , and ensuring that you have safety 773 00:30:04,492 --> 00:30:06,548 corridors and , and things like that 774 00:30:06,548 --> 00:30:08,881 because at the end of the day , um what , 775 00:30:08,881 --> 00:30:10,937 what everyone's trying to do here is 776 00:30:10,937 --> 00:30:12,881 protect innocent civilian lives in 777 00:30:12,881 --> 00:30:15,103 terms of ensuring that terrorist groups 778 00:30:15,103 --> 00:30:17,214 like Hamas cannot continue to do what 779 00:30:17,214 --> 00:30:19,159 they have done in this situation . 780 00:30:19,159 --> 00:30:21,326 Thank you . All right . Thank you very 781 00:30:21,326 --> 00:30:21,180 much . Ladies and gentlemen , I 782 00:30:21,189 --> 00:30:22,359 appreciate your time today .