1 00:00:00,239 --> 00:00:02,461 Well , good afternoon , everyone . Just 2 00:00:02,470 --> 00:00:04,581 a few things here at the top and then 3 00:00:04,581 --> 00:00:06,692 I'll get right to your questions . Uh 4 00:00:06,692 --> 00:00:08,748 First , let me start by echoing what 5 00:00:08,748 --> 00:00:10,914 you heard yesterday from the president 6 00:00:10,914 --> 00:00:13,248 regarding the US Japan alliance , quote , 7 00:00:13,248 --> 00:00:15,026 over the last three years , the 8 00:00:15,026 --> 00:00:16,914 partnership between Japan and the 9 00:00:16,914 --> 00:00:19,137 United States has been transformed into 10 00:00:19,137 --> 00:00:21,260 a truly global partnership . The 11 00:00:21,270 --> 00:00:23,270 relationship with Japan is powerful 12 00:00:23,270 --> 00:00:25,492 proof that in investing in our alliance 13 00:00:25,492 --> 00:00:27,659 and raising our collective ambitions . 14 00:00:27,659 --> 00:00:30,040 We yield remarkable results . End quote . 15 00:00:30,739 --> 00:00:32,683 Our defense and security ties with 16 00:00:32,683 --> 00:00:34,906 Japan form the core of our alliance and 17 00:00:34,906 --> 00:00:37,017 are the cornerstone of regional peace 18 00:00:37,017 --> 00:00:38,961 and security in the Indo Pacific . 19 00:00:39,250 --> 00:00:41,139 Recognizing that the alliance has 20 00:00:41,139 --> 00:00:42,972 reached new heights , we plan to 21 00:00:42,972 --> 00:00:44,750 further bolster our defense and 22 00:00:44,750 --> 00:00:46,917 security cooper operation to allow for 23 00:00:46,917 --> 00:00:49,139 greater coordinations and integration . 24 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:51,367 I would add that yesterday . You heard 25 00:00:51,367 --> 00:00:53,033 news on dozens of deliverable 26 00:00:53,033 --> 00:00:55,256 deliverables for the alliance . I don't 27 00:00:55,256 --> 00:00:57,200 have any more specifics to provide 28 00:00:57,200 --> 00:00:59,533 today in terms of timelines and outputs , 29 00:00:59,533 --> 00:01:01,478 but we are working hard across all 30 00:01:01,478 --> 00:01:03,644 levels of the department to deliver on 31 00:01:03,644 --> 00:01:05,644 the agreements made by our national 32 00:01:05,644 --> 00:01:07,756 leaders . And of course , doing so in 33 00:01:07,756 --> 00:01:09,811 very close concert with our Japanese 34 00:01:09,811 --> 00:01:11,978 Allies , Secretary Austin participated 35 00:01:11,978 --> 00:01:13,922 in the events with the Japan State 36 00:01:13,922 --> 00:01:15,922 visit yesterday and returned to the 37 00:01:15,922 --> 00:01:18,144 White House today to participate in the 38 00:01:18,144 --> 00:01:20,367 US Japan Philippines trilateral leaders 39 00:01:20,367 --> 00:01:22,533 summit . The United States , Japan and 40 00:01:22,533 --> 00:01:24,422 the Philippines are three closely 41 00:01:24,422 --> 00:01:26,311 aligned maritime democracies with 42 00:01:26,311 --> 00:01:28,200 increasingly convergent strategic 43 00:01:28,200 --> 00:01:30,256 objectives and interests . Just this 44 00:01:30,256 --> 00:01:32,033 past week . In fact , our three 45 00:01:32,033 --> 00:01:34,256 countries in Australia held joint naval 46 00:01:34,256 --> 00:01:36,033 drills in the South China Sea . 47 00:01:36,830 --> 00:01:38,830 Separately , Assistant Secretary of 48 00:01:38,830 --> 00:01:40,719 Defense for Indo Pacific Security 49 00:01:40,719 --> 00:01:42,719 Affairs , Doctor Eli Ratner and his 50 00:01:42,719 --> 00:01:44,663 team are hosting our Korean allies 51 00:01:44,663 --> 00:01:46,886 today here at the Pentagon for the 24th 52 00:01:46,886 --> 00:01:49,163 US , Korea integrated defense dialogue . 53 00:01:49,319 --> 00:01:51,430 The dialogue involves a wide range of 54 00:01:51,430 --> 00:01:53,652 comprehensive discussions about how the 55 00:01:53,652 --> 00:01:55,875 United States and the Republic of Korea 56 00:01:55,875 --> 00:01:57,986 are modernizing and strengthening our 57 00:01:57,986 --> 00:01:59,763 alliance . We'll have much more 58 00:01:59,763 --> 00:02:01,763 information to provide this evening 59 00:02:01,763 --> 00:02:03,930 when the meeting concludes and staying 60 00:02:03,930 --> 00:02:06,152 with the Philippines . Uh Tomorrow , we 61 00:02:06,152 --> 00:02:06,099 look forward to welcoming his 62 00:02:06,110 --> 00:02:08,369 Excellency , Ferdinand Marcos , junior 63 00:02:08,380 --> 00:02:10,259 president of the Philippines and 64 00:02:10,270 --> 00:02:12,470 Secretary of National Defense Gilbert 65 00:02:12,479 --> 00:02:14,201 Ted Doo . Here at the Pentagon 66 00:02:14,559 --> 00:02:16,726 Secretary , Austin will host President 67 00:02:16,726 --> 00:02:18,781 Marcos and his delegation to discuss 68 00:02:18,781 --> 00:02:21,003 regional security issues to include our 69 00:02:21,003 --> 00:02:22,837 shared concerns on pr C coercive 70 00:02:22,837 --> 00:02:25,139 actions in the South China Sea . And in 71 00:02:25,149 --> 00:02:27,371 recent news , we were very sad to learn 72 00:02:27,371 --> 00:02:29,538 about the loss of two Philippines Navy 73 00:02:29,538 --> 00:02:31,427 pilots in a tragic accident . Our 74 00:02:31,427 --> 00:02:33,482 thoughts are with their families and 75 00:02:33,482 --> 00:02:35,705 their navy and we're ready to assist if 76 00:02:35,705 --> 00:02:37,760 needed in light of the engagements . 77 00:02:37,760 --> 00:02:39,871 I've outlined . And as we continue to 78 00:02:39,871 --> 00:02:42,038 advance a shared vision for a free and 79 00:02:42,038 --> 00:02:44,205 open Indo Pacific region , it's been a 80 00:02:44,205 --> 00:02:46,260 tremendous week of progress with our 81 00:02:46,260 --> 00:02:48,482 allies . And finally , Secretary Austin 82 00:02:48,482 --> 00:02:50,705 spoke with his Israeli counterpart this 83 00:02:50,705 --> 00:02:52,927 afternoon , Minister Gallant to discuss 84 00:02:52,927 --> 00:02:54,927 the current situation in the Middle 85 00:02:54,927 --> 00:02:56,982 East and to reaffirm the US ironclad 86 00:02:56,982 --> 00:02:59,205 commitment to Israel's security against 87 00:02:59,205 --> 00:03:01,205 threats from Iran and its proxies . 88 00:03:01,205 --> 00:03:03,316 We'll have a full readout of the call 89 00:03:03,316 --> 00:03:05,482 avail available later today . And with 90 00:03:05,482 --> 00:03:04,520 that , I'll be glad to take your 91 00:03:04,529 --> 00:03:06,889 questions . Start with associated press 92 00:03:06,899 --> 00:03:10,570 leader . Bel , thanks Pat . Um Can 93 00:03:10,580 --> 00:03:12,802 you bring us up to date a little bit on 94 00:03:12,802 --> 00:03:15,024 the J lots ? The secretary said earlier 95 00:03:15,024 --> 00:03:17,699 this week that he expected it could 96 00:03:17,710 --> 00:03:20,380 begin initial operations the third week 97 00:03:20,389 --> 00:03:23,100 of the month , which by my calculation 98 00:03:23,110 --> 00:03:26,740 would be next week . So have they 99 00:03:26,750 --> 00:03:29,190 even started to build anything yet ? 100 00:03:29,410 --> 00:03:31,688 Can you just tell us where that stands ? 101 00:03:31,688 --> 00:03:33,910 Sure . Um As you know , we announced on 102 00:03:33,910 --> 00:03:35,910 8 March uh that we estimated that J 103 00:03:35,910 --> 00:03:38,021 Lots would be in place in operational 104 00:03:38,021 --> 00:03:40,188 approximately 60 days . That continues 105 00:03:40,188 --> 00:03:42,354 to be the case . Uh We estimate that J 106 00:03:42,354 --> 00:03:44,521 Lots will be operational in late April 107 00:03:44,521 --> 00:03:46,688 early May time frame , which of course 108 00:03:46,688 --> 00:03:48,910 is within that 60 day window . Um We're 109 00:03:48,910 --> 00:03:51,077 obviously working as fast as we can on 110 00:03:51,077 --> 00:03:53,021 that effort . Recognizing that any 111 00:03:53,021 --> 00:03:54,799 operation can be affected by uh 112 00:03:54,799 --> 00:03:56,799 multiple variables , but our forces 113 00:03:56,799 --> 00:03:58,910 supporting this effort uh continue to 114 00:03:58,910 --> 00:04:00,910 stay focused on the mission and the 115 00:04:00,910 --> 00:04:03,188 important task that they've been given . 116 00:04:03,188 --> 00:04:05,243 So again , we'll continue to provide 117 00:04:05,243 --> 00:04:07,021 updates . Uh But to answer your 118 00:04:07,021 --> 00:04:08,799 question , no , there's been no 119 00:04:08,799 --> 00:04:11,132 construction in the water at this stage . 120 00:04:11,132 --> 00:04:14,139 Uh wrong . When he said again , we're 121 00:04:14,149 --> 00:04:16,260 working towards having it operational 122 00:04:16,260 --> 00:04:18,427 toward the end of the month in early . 123 00:04:18,427 --> 00:04:20,899 May not what he said . 124 00:04:21,989 --> 00:04:24,045 We're not to the third week of April 125 00:04:24,045 --> 00:04:26,790 yet . We'll keep you posted . Ok . Just 126 00:04:26,799 --> 00:04:28,910 a quick follow on on J Lots . When it 127 00:04:28,920 --> 00:04:31,220 becomes operational , should it be able 128 00:04:31,230 --> 00:04:33,174 to move the maximum number of , of 129 00:04:33,174 --> 00:04:35,063 truckloads or , or loads of goods 130 00:04:35,063 --> 00:04:37,119 immediately or is there some ramp up 131 00:04:37,119 --> 00:04:39,286 process , some sort of testing process 132 00:04:39,286 --> 00:04:41,452 that needs to happen that will further 133 00:04:41,452 --> 00:04:43,619 delay its , its ability to really have 134 00:04:43,619 --> 00:04:45,730 an impact ? Yeah . So , um you know , 135 00:04:45,730 --> 00:04:47,841 as I understand it , uh essentially , 136 00:04:47,841 --> 00:04:50,008 you know , you'll , you'll see sort of 137 00:04:50,008 --> 00:04:49,809 a phased approach in terms of initial 138 00:04:49,820 --> 00:04:52,489 operations capability and the ability 139 00:04:52,500 --> 00:04:55,630 to , to receive um humanitarian 140 00:04:55,640 --> 00:04:57,640 assistance . Um But of course , you 141 00:04:57,640 --> 00:05:00,019 know , based on various conditions that 142 00:05:00,029 --> 00:05:01,769 commanders set to achieve full 143 00:05:01,779 --> 00:05:04,149 operations capability , you'll see that 144 00:05:04,160 --> 00:05:06,790 that capability ramp up uh again as we 145 00:05:06,799 --> 00:05:09,170 get closer to the initial operations 146 00:05:09,179 --> 00:05:11,720 capability uh and having the pier go 147 00:05:11,730 --> 00:05:13,841 operational , we'll , we'll certainly 148 00:05:13,841 --> 00:05:16,008 provide much more detail . Thank you . 149 00:05:16,008 --> 00:05:18,230 Bye . Thank you General . Um So I wanna 150 00:05:18,230 --> 00:05:20,174 go back to the , to the call today 151 00:05:20,174 --> 00:05:22,119 between uh Secretary Austin and Mr 152 00:05:22,119 --> 00:05:24,989 Gallant um today uh USA ID 153 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:27,630 administrator , uh Samantha Power uh 154 00:05:27,640 --> 00:05:30,250 confirmed the assessment by the I PC 155 00:05:30,260 --> 00:05:33,529 that there's famine in , in North Gaza . 156 00:05:33,559 --> 00:05:35,239 The Israeli government made a 157 00:05:35,250 --> 00:05:37,361 commitment to open uh crossing in the 158 00:05:37,361 --> 00:05:39,739 northern part of Gaza for the flow of 159 00:05:39,750 --> 00:05:42,700 aid . Um Did the secretary get a clear 160 00:05:42,709 --> 00:05:45,130 commitment or a date from Mr Gallant on 161 00:05:45,140 --> 00:05:48,019 when this step will happen ? And how 162 00:05:48,029 --> 00:05:51,579 satisfied is he with the government of 163 00:05:51,589 --> 00:05:53,200 Israeli government basically 164 00:05:53,200 --> 00:05:55,422 implementing what they promised to do ? 165 00:05:55,500 --> 00:05:57,667 Yeah . Well , as it relates to today's 166 00:05:57,667 --> 00:05:59,778 phone call , as I mentioned , we'll , 167 00:05:59,778 --> 00:06:01,944 we'll have a full readout on that . So 168 00:06:01,944 --> 00:06:01,730 I'll , I'll wait for that to come out . 169 00:06:01,739 --> 00:06:04,429 Um But in general , uh and you know , 170 00:06:04,440 --> 00:06:06,880 to include the , the most recent call 171 00:06:06,890 --> 00:06:10,220 uh he had last week , um the secretary 172 00:06:10,230 --> 00:06:12,709 does continue to talk with Minister 173 00:06:12,720 --> 00:06:14,760 Gallant uh about the importance of 174 00:06:14,769 --> 00:06:16,880 ensuring humanitarian assistance can 175 00:06:16,890 --> 00:06:20,410 get into Gaza . Uh And so I think uh 176 00:06:20,420 --> 00:06:22,531 some of this , the initial steps that 177 00:06:22,531 --> 00:06:24,640 we've seen in terms of uh ramping up 178 00:06:24,649 --> 00:06:26,871 the number of trucks that can come into 179 00:06:26,871 --> 00:06:29,390 Gaza uh is a good step , but I think we 180 00:06:29,399 --> 00:06:31,566 want to see much more . Uh and I think 181 00:06:31,566 --> 00:06:33,177 we'll continue to have those 182 00:06:33,177 --> 00:06:35,177 conversations , not only within the 183 00:06:35,177 --> 00:06:35,170 Department of Defense , but I know 184 00:06:35,179 --> 00:06:37,250 that's also happening uh elsewhere 185 00:06:37,260 --> 00:06:39,380 throughout the US government to see 186 00:06:39,390 --> 00:06:41,709 those concrete steps about Israel's 187 00:06:41,720 --> 00:06:43,331 commitment to get additional 188 00:06:43,331 --> 00:06:45,498 humanitarian assistance into Gaza on a 189 00:06:45,498 --> 00:06:49,220 separate topic . But it's the issue 190 00:06:49,230 --> 00:06:51,670 of Iranians threat . As you mentioned , 191 00:06:53,579 --> 00:06:55,301 we've seen reports yesterday , 192 00:06:55,301 --> 00:06:57,890 specifically that Iranian attack on 193 00:06:57,899 --> 00:07:00,121 Israel is imminent . That's in response 194 00:07:00,121 --> 00:07:02,066 to Israel targeting of the Iranian 195 00:07:02,066 --> 00:07:04,869 consulate in , in Syria . How concerned 196 00:07:04,880 --> 00:07:06,991 are you that the Iranian might follow 197 00:07:06,991 --> 00:07:09,047 through with their threats ? And are 198 00:07:09,047 --> 00:07:11,269 you seeing any indications that this is 199 00:07:11,269 --> 00:07:13,436 what they intend to do ? Yeah . Well , 200 00:07:13,436 --> 00:07:15,158 we're certainly monitoring the 201 00:07:15,158 --> 00:07:17,324 situation closely . I , I don't have a 202 00:07:17,324 --> 00:07:17,179 crystal ball and I'm , I'm not gonna 203 00:07:17,190 --> 00:07:19,420 get into specific intelligence . I 204 00:07:19,429 --> 00:07:21,596 would just say that what you heard the 205 00:07:21,596 --> 00:07:23,818 President say . Uh and as I highlighted 206 00:07:23,818 --> 00:07:25,769 in my topper , uh we are in close 207 00:07:25,779 --> 00:07:28,230 contact with the Israelis uh to include 208 00:07:28,239 --> 00:07:30,517 today's phone call with Minister Gaunt . 209 00:07:30,517 --> 00:07:32,628 Uh and that us commitment to Israel's 210 00:07:32,628 --> 00:07:34,683 security against threat from threats 211 00:07:34,683 --> 00:07:36,795 from Iran and its proxies is ironclad 212 00:07:36,795 --> 00:07:38,906 and I'll just leave it there . Let me 213 00:07:38,906 --> 00:07:40,795 go to Idris yesterday . The state 214 00:07:40,795 --> 00:07:42,906 Department put out a statement saying 215 00:07:42,906 --> 00:07:45,072 that Secretary Blinken had spoken with 216 00:07:45,072 --> 00:07:47,128 defense Mr Galland , given that he's 217 00:07:47,128 --> 00:07:46,739 Austin's kind of secretary Austin's 218 00:07:46,750 --> 00:07:48,861 kind of part was the secretary on the 219 00:07:48,861 --> 00:07:50,972 call . He was not , but it's also not 220 00:07:50,972 --> 00:07:52,861 unusual that uh Minister Glan and 221 00:07:52,861 --> 00:07:55,200 Secretary Blinken speak . So as you 222 00:07:55,209 --> 00:07:57,329 know , when Secretary Blinken travels 223 00:07:57,339 --> 00:08:00,750 to uh Israel , he's had uh you know , 224 00:08:00,760 --> 00:08:03,029 one on one meetings as well . Secretary 225 00:08:03,040 --> 00:08:04,984 Austin talked to any other foreign 226 00:08:04,984 --> 00:08:07,207 ministers uh on occasion , depending on 227 00:08:07,207 --> 00:08:09,429 where we're traveling and , and , and , 228 00:08:09,429 --> 00:08:11,429 and as I mentioned , tomorrow , for 229 00:08:11,429 --> 00:08:11,299 example , uh you've got President 230 00:08:11,309 --> 00:08:13,476 Marcos , uh who's the president of the 231 00:08:13,476 --> 00:08:15,587 Philippines coming . So , uh a lot of 232 00:08:15,587 --> 00:08:17,698 it just depends on the specific topic 233 00:08:17,698 --> 00:08:20,510 if it's foreign policy or , or , uh you 234 00:08:20,519 --> 00:08:23,109 know , diplomatic issues uh versus 235 00:08:23,119 --> 00:08:25,369 security assistance issues . So , uh 236 00:08:25,380 --> 00:08:27,491 the , the bottom line is , you know , 237 00:08:27,491 --> 00:08:29,658 when it comes to our relationship with 238 00:08:29,658 --> 00:08:32,369 Israel , um there , there are not 239 00:08:32,380 --> 00:08:34,770 necessarily uh going to be , I'm not 240 00:08:34,780 --> 00:08:37,002 allowed to talk to that person . You're 241 00:08:37,002 --> 00:08:39,224 not allowed to , you know , it's , it's 242 00:08:39,224 --> 00:08:41,336 going to be full robust communication 243 00:08:41,336 --> 00:08:41,280 and , and , and , and you know , when 244 00:08:41,289 --> 00:08:43,760 they've spoken most recently or last 245 00:08:43,770 --> 00:08:45,950 week , um they talked about the World 246 00:08:45,960 --> 00:08:47,738 Central Central Kitchen and the 247 00:08:47,738 --> 00:08:49,904 strength that killed the aid workers . 248 00:08:49,904 --> 00:08:52,016 Uh You've had time to look over their 249 00:08:52,016 --> 00:08:54,182 investigation , their initial report . 250 00:08:54,182 --> 00:08:56,349 Are you satisfied with it ? Um Is that 251 00:08:56,349 --> 00:08:58,404 something you endorsed their initial 252 00:08:58,404 --> 00:09:00,516 findings ? Yeah , thanks Idris . So , 253 00:09:00,516 --> 00:09:02,682 um you know , you , you probably heard 254 00:09:02,682 --> 00:09:04,793 uh the national security Adviser , Mr 255 00:09:04,793 --> 00:09:06,849 Sullivan talked to that earlier this 256 00:09:06,849 --> 00:09:08,738 week . Um As I understand it that 257 00:09:08,738 --> 00:09:11,070 continues to be under review . So , um 258 00:09:11,080 --> 00:09:13,302 I don't have anything to provide to you 259 00:09:13,302 --> 00:09:15,024 from the Department of Defense 260 00:09:15,024 --> 00:09:17,136 standpoint at this point . Other than 261 00:09:17,136 --> 00:09:19,247 again , uh Secretary Austin made very 262 00:09:19,247 --> 00:09:21,358 clear in his phone call with Minister 263 00:09:21,358 --> 00:09:23,580 Gallant , uh that we expect to see , uh 264 00:09:23,580 --> 00:09:25,747 you know , concrete actions to , to be 265 00:09:25,747 --> 00:09:27,802 taken to prevent another strike like 266 00:09:27,802 --> 00:09:30,136 that from happening in the future . Tom . 267 00:09:30,136 --> 00:09:32,136 Thanks General was , was uh general 268 00:09:32,136 --> 00:09:34,330 carrier in the Israel . Today is 269 00:09:34,340 --> 00:09:36,284 General Kerri in Israel . Uh Yes , 270 00:09:36,284 --> 00:09:39,780 General Kerri is in Israel . He's as I 271 00:09:39,789 --> 00:09:41,845 understand it , traveling throughout 272 00:09:41,845 --> 00:09:44,011 the , the region . So , um , certainly 273 00:09:44,011 --> 00:09:46,178 would prefer you to send for some more 274 00:09:46,178 --> 00:09:48,233 info on that if , um , if Iran is to 275 00:09:48,233 --> 00:09:51,739 strike a target inside Israel and with 276 00:09:51,750 --> 00:09:53,861 the , um , you know , we talked a lot 277 00:09:53,861 --> 00:09:55,972 about , you've talked a lot about the 278 00:09:55,972 --> 00:09:58,083 ironclad , uh , you know , commitment 279 00:09:58,083 --> 00:09:59,972 to Israel , would the Pentagon be 280 00:09:59,972 --> 00:10:02,306 obliged to , uh , to join in to respond ? 281 00:10:02,429 --> 00:10:04,096 Yeah , I'm not gonna get into 282 00:10:04,096 --> 00:10:06,318 hypotheticals . Um , you know , again , 283 00:10:06,318 --> 00:10:07,985 I've highlighted our ironclad 284 00:10:07,985 --> 00:10:10,040 commitment to Israel's security on a 285 00:10:10,040 --> 00:10:12,096 different topic . Um , Monday is the 286 00:10:12,096 --> 00:10:14,207 anniversary of the start of the Sudan 287 00:10:14,207 --> 00:10:16,040 Civil War . Um , do you have any 288 00:10:16,040 --> 00:10:18,151 observations on that conflict ? And , 289 00:10:18,151 --> 00:10:20,096 um , do you have any , excuse me , 290 00:10:20,096 --> 00:10:22,320 assessments of , of Iran's role in it ? 291 00:10:22,849 --> 00:10:25,016 Uh , I really don't . Uh , again , I , 292 00:10:25,460 --> 00:10:27,293 we'll take that question for you 293 00:10:27,293 --> 00:10:29,404 because I know you have a question on 294 00:10:29,404 --> 00:10:31,404 that . Let me go to Anne and I come 295 00:10:31,404 --> 00:10:33,516 here . So on J Lots , there are a lot 296 00:10:33,516 --> 00:10:35,738 of aid trucks being allowed into Gaza . 297 00:10:35,738 --> 00:10:37,849 Is there any point where J Lots would 298 00:10:37,849 --> 00:10:39,960 not be deployed because you feel like 299 00:10:39,960 --> 00:10:39,940 the ground roots are sufficient . And 300 00:10:39,950 --> 00:10:42,117 then I just want to try again if there 301 00:10:42,117 --> 00:10:44,890 is an attack on Israel from Iran , can 302 00:10:44,900 --> 00:10:48,070 we expect a us military response again ? 303 00:10:48,080 --> 00:10:50,413 Not going to get into the hypotheticals ? 304 00:10:50,413 --> 00:10:52,580 And I've underscored our commitment to 305 00:10:52,580 --> 00:10:55,539 Israel's security . Um , in terms of , 306 00:10:55,549 --> 00:10:58,590 uh , would J lots still be needed if 307 00:10:58,599 --> 00:11:00,710 there's increased aid on the ground . 308 00:11:00,710 --> 00:11:02,710 Uh At this point , uh we have a , a 309 00:11:02,710 --> 00:11:04,710 mission , we have a task that we've 310 00:11:04,710 --> 00:11:06,432 been assigned , which is to uh 311 00:11:06,432 --> 00:11:08,630 implement J Lots to help increase the 312 00:11:08,640 --> 00:11:11,729 flow of humanitarian assistance into uh 313 00:11:11,739 --> 00:11:13,850 Gaza . And so we're going to continue 314 00:11:13,850 --> 00:11:15,739 to stay focused on executing that 315 00:11:15,739 --> 00:11:17,961 mission and we'll keep you updated . If 316 00:11:17,961 --> 00:11:20,072 any point , there's no point at which 317 00:11:20,072 --> 00:11:22,295 you have to commit to actually building 318 00:11:22,549 --> 00:11:24,549 it as , as far as you know , it's , 319 00:11:24,549 --> 00:11:26,771 it's a clear timeline . You're , you're 320 00:11:26,771 --> 00:11:28,938 just moving ahead . Yeah , I mean , we 321 00:11:28,938 --> 00:11:28,760 obviously , as I mentioned , we have a 322 00:11:28,770 --> 00:11:31,489 timeline that we've set uh as in any 323 00:11:31,500 --> 00:11:33,500 operation , particularly one that's 324 00:11:33,500 --> 00:11:35,909 going to be conducted in a combat zone . 325 00:11:35,919 --> 00:11:37,863 There are variable variables which 326 00:11:37,863 --> 00:11:40,219 could affect that timeline . Um But as 327 00:11:40,229 --> 00:11:42,451 of , as of right now , as I mentioned , 328 00:11:42,451 --> 00:11:45,179 Talita , uh we are on course uh to go 329 00:11:45,190 --> 00:11:47,301 operational at the end of the month , 330 00:11:47,301 --> 00:11:49,579 uh early May . So I'll keep you posted , 331 00:11:49,820 --> 00:11:52,460 Eunice . Thank you , General . You said 332 00:11:52,469 --> 00:11:54,580 that you're not going to speculate on 333 00:11:54,580 --> 00:11:56,413 anything when it comes to the US 334 00:11:56,413 --> 00:11:58,559 response to pos possible Iranian 335 00:11:58,570 --> 00:12:01,700 attacks inside Israel . Uh One us 336 00:12:01,710 --> 00:12:04,229 senator suggested today that there be a 337 00:12:04,239 --> 00:12:06,890 joint US Israeli strikes against Iran 338 00:12:06,900 --> 00:12:09,289 if there were such attacks against 339 00:12:09,299 --> 00:12:11,940 Israel . Are you ruling out anything at 340 00:12:11,950 --> 00:12:13,672 this point ? I know you're not 341 00:12:13,672 --> 00:12:16,479 speculating but is , is , is a joint us 342 00:12:16,489 --> 00:12:18,267 Israel strike ruled out in this 343 00:12:18,267 --> 00:12:21,940 department um you know , look the from 344 00:12:21,950 --> 00:12:24,061 the very beginning of this conflict , 345 00:12:24,061 --> 00:12:25,890 uh the Department of Defense 346 00:12:25,900 --> 00:12:28,090 established two key objectives , you 347 00:12:28,099 --> 00:12:30,321 know , among the , among four , which , 348 00:12:30,321 --> 00:12:32,432 which I've discussed before . But two 349 00:12:32,432 --> 00:12:34,266 of those objectives have been to 350 00:12:34,266 --> 00:12:36,432 protect our forces and our citizens in 351 00:12:36,432 --> 00:12:38,599 the region as well as support Israel's 352 00:12:38,599 --> 00:12:40,821 inherent right to self defense . And so 353 00:12:40,821 --> 00:12:42,932 that hasn't changed . Uh And so as we 354 00:12:42,932 --> 00:12:45,043 monitor potential threats and as we , 355 00:12:45,043 --> 00:12:47,099 you know , do we'll continue to take 356 00:12:47,099 --> 00:12:49,099 appropriate steps uh to include any 357 00:12:49,099 --> 00:12:51,266 necessary force protection measures if 358 00:12:51,266 --> 00:12:53,488 our forces are threatened . Um But when 359 00:12:53,488 --> 00:12:55,710 it comes to , you know , speculating on 360 00:12:55,710 --> 00:12:58,909 when and if uh Iran may attack 361 00:12:59,369 --> 00:13:03,070 uh Israel , uh again , I'm just not 362 00:13:03,080 --> 00:13:05,340 gonna get into speculating or , or 363 00:13:05,349 --> 00:13:08,109 discuss intelligence . Um And , and 364 00:13:08,119 --> 00:13:10,119 again , I'll just underscore what I 365 00:13:10,119 --> 00:13:12,175 said that our commitment to Israel's 366 00:13:12,175 --> 00:13:14,479 security is , is ironclad follow if I 367 00:13:14,500 --> 00:13:17,450 may if Iran attacked Israel , would 368 00:13:17,460 --> 00:13:19,950 that be considered an escalation or 369 00:13:19,960 --> 00:13:22,609 retaliation by the dod ? Again , I'm 370 00:13:22,619 --> 00:13:24,730 not gonna get into hypotheticals . Uh 371 00:13:24,730 --> 00:13:26,897 Let me go to the phones here . Uh Jeff 372 00:13:26,897 --> 00:13:30,460 show will task and purpose . Uh Thank 373 00:13:30,469 --> 00:13:32,802 you . The Navy released a picture today . 374 00:13:32,802 --> 00:13:35,469 Uh This week showing an 05 firing 375 00:13:35,479 --> 00:13:37,950 weapon with the squad . Common optic 376 00:13:37,960 --> 00:13:41,599 backwards is dod considering ordering 377 00:13:41,609 --> 00:13:43,498 sailors to go through any kind of 378 00:13:43,498 --> 00:13:45,739 training on the fundamentals of 379 00:13:45,750 --> 00:13:47,917 firearms and small arms in the wake of 380 00:13:47,917 --> 00:13:49,972 this . Yeah , thanks , Jeff . Uh I'd 381 00:13:49,972 --> 00:13:52,194 have to refer you to the Navy . For any 382 00:13:52,194 --> 00:13:54,880 questions uh regarding uh training . 383 00:13:54,900 --> 00:13:57,349 Thank you . Let me go to uh Jared , 384 00:13:57,359 --> 00:14:01,250 I'll monitor a pat . 385 00:14:01,260 --> 00:14:03,427 My question has been asked but I might 386 00:14:03,427 --> 00:14:05,538 try it a different way , I guess . Um 387 00:14:05,538 --> 00:14:07,760 uh following the secretary's call for , 388 00:14:07,760 --> 00:14:10,093 with , uh with Defense Minister Gallant . 389 00:14:10,093 --> 00:14:12,316 Um uh you know , the US is committed to 390 00:14:12,316 --> 00:14:14,482 Israel's security . Uh Part of that is 391 00:14:14,482 --> 00:14:16,704 re-establish deterrence if that need be 392 00:14:16,704 --> 00:14:18,649 done . Um But how confident is the 393 00:14:18,649 --> 00:14:20,871 secretary that Israel is also committed 394 00:14:20,871 --> 00:14:22,871 to the security of us forces in the 395 00:14:22,871 --> 00:14:24,871 region and the sensitivities around 396 00:14:24,871 --> 00:14:26,927 that . Yeah , the , the secretary is 397 00:14:26,927 --> 00:14:29,038 very confident of Israel's commitment 398 00:14:29,038 --> 00:14:31,260 to the security of us forces . I mean , 399 00:14:31,260 --> 00:14:33,316 as you know , Jared , we have a long 400 00:14:33,316 --> 00:14:35,427 standing uh security cooper operation 401 00:14:35,427 --> 00:14:39,030 relationship with Israel um to , to 402 00:14:39,039 --> 00:14:42,590 address , you know , multiple um 403 00:14:42,890 --> 00:14:45,057 threats throughout the region with the 404 00:14:45,057 --> 00:14:47,690 primary aim uh being regional security 405 00:14:47,700 --> 00:14:50,890 and stability . And so , um I'll just 406 00:14:50,900 --> 00:14:53,349 leave it there . All right . Let me , 407 00:14:53,450 --> 00:14:55,783 let me get a couple of other folks here , 408 00:14:55,783 --> 00:14:57,969 Tony , uh go to Ukraine for a second 409 00:14:57,979 --> 00:15:00,146 here . General Cali in the last couple 410 00:15:00,146 --> 00:15:03,119 days has painted a very bleak picture 411 00:15:03,130 --> 00:15:05,880 of uh Ukraine's chances for success if 412 00:15:05,890 --> 00:15:08,159 the supplemental doesn't pass , I wanna 413 00:15:08,169 --> 00:15:10,929 go back to the arcane issue of a plan B , 414 00:15:11,020 --> 00:15:13,320 the $4 billion that the Pentagon has an 415 00:15:13,330 --> 00:15:16,669 authority to tap into a reservoir uh 416 00:15:16,679 --> 00:15:18,901 reserves , but you don't have the money 417 00:15:18,901 --> 00:15:21,200 to replenish yet . Is there any talk 418 00:15:21,210 --> 00:15:23,043 now of just taking that risk and 419 00:15:23,043 --> 00:15:26,090 starting to use that $4 billion on the 420 00:15:26,099 --> 00:15:28,321 assumption . At some point you will get 421 00:15:28,321 --> 00:15:30,179 replenishment dollars since it's 422 00:15:30,190 --> 00:15:32,301 looking dire for Ukraine and that the 423 00:15:32,301 --> 00:15:33,968 house is not moving on . It's 424 00:15:33,968 --> 00:15:35,968 supplemental . Yeah , thanks Tony . 425 00:15:35,968 --> 00:15:37,857 Well , I , I certainly don't have 426 00:15:37,857 --> 00:15:40,079 anything to announce in , in terms of , 427 00:15:40,079 --> 00:15:42,301 uh , taking an approach like that . I , 428 00:15:42,301 --> 00:15:44,468 I think , you know , we've been pretty 429 00:15:44,468 --> 00:15:46,690 clear as recently as this week when the 430 00:15:46,690 --> 00:15:46,679 secretary was testifying on the hill to 431 00:15:46,690 --> 00:15:50,229 the sask uh about how critical it is uh 432 00:15:50,239 --> 00:15:52,500 that the supplement will be passed so 433 00:15:52,510 --> 00:15:55,119 that we can ensure Ukraine has the 434 00:15:55,130 --> 00:15:57,520 volume of security assistance support 435 00:15:57,530 --> 00:16:00,539 that it needs in order to continue 436 00:16:00,549 --> 00:16:02,827 their fight for freedom against Russia , 437 00:16:03,369 --> 00:16:05,969 push back . I mean , $800 billion organ 438 00:16:06,219 --> 00:16:07,941 department here . Is there any 439 00:16:07,941 --> 00:16:10,108 discussion though , in terms of we , I 440 00:16:10,108 --> 00:16:12,239 think we need to push for this $4 441 00:16:12,250 --> 00:16:14,330 billion any signals at all , any 442 00:16:14,340 --> 00:16:16,609 meetings discussing that kind of a plan 443 00:16:16,619 --> 00:16:18,880 B . Uh Again , right now , the , the 444 00:16:18,890 --> 00:16:20,890 primary emphasis is on working with 445 00:16:20,890 --> 00:16:23,223 Congress to get the supplemental passed . 446 00:16:23,223 --> 00:16:25,279 Um That is uh the most urgent need . 447 00:16:25,279 --> 00:16:28,940 That is the uh most um uh 448 00:16:28,950 --> 00:16:32,340 realistic way to ensure that Ukraine 449 00:16:32,349 --> 00:16:34,780 has the support that they need . Uh And 450 00:16:34,789 --> 00:16:36,845 for the fight that they're in . So , 451 00:16:36,845 --> 00:16:38,678 you know , we're always going to 452 00:16:38,678 --> 00:16:40,511 continue to consult closely with 453 00:16:40,511 --> 00:16:42,289 Congress and our allies and our 454 00:16:42,289 --> 00:16:44,233 partners . Uh Because again , it's 455 00:16:44,233 --> 00:16:44,020 important to remember that it's not 456 00:16:44,030 --> 00:16:45,697 just the United States , it's 457 00:16:45,697 --> 00:16:47,474 supporting Ukraine , this is an 458 00:16:47,474 --> 00:16:49,308 international effort . Uh We are 459 00:16:49,308 --> 00:16:50,974 committed to working with and 460 00:16:50,974 --> 00:16:53,252 supporting Ukraine uh in their defense . 461 00:16:53,252 --> 00:16:55,419 But as of right now , um again , we're 462 00:16:55,419 --> 00:16:57,474 going to continue to stay focused on 463 00:16:57,474 --> 00:16:59,752 getting the supplemental pass call out . 464 00:16:59,752 --> 00:16:59,729 When you do that detailed read out . 465 00:16:59,760 --> 00:17:02,539 Can you discuss whether the F-15 sale 466 00:17:02,549 --> 00:17:04,605 that's hung up on the hill right now 467 00:17:04,605 --> 00:17:06,549 was a , a topic of discussion that 468 00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:09,111 Minister Gulag pushed for that or you 469 00:17:09,111 --> 00:17:11,222 know , if there was any discussion on 470 00:17:11,222 --> 00:17:13,444 the need for those planes ? Well , take 471 00:17:13,444 --> 00:17:15,444 a look at the read out and then you 472 00:17:15,444 --> 00:17:15,219 know , we can follow up from there . 473 00:17:15,390 --> 00:17:17,612 Thank you very much . Yes , sir . Thank 474 00:17:17,612 --> 00:17:19,612 you . Have a couple of Ukraine . We 475 00:17:19,612 --> 00:17:21,739 heard Dr Wing in Congress yesterday 476 00:17:21,780 --> 00:17:24,838 that as it was concerned , Ukraine 477 00:17:24,848 --> 00:17:26,681 attacking Russian oil refineries 478 00:17:26,681 --> 00:17:28,792 because those were civilian targets . 479 00:17:28,792 --> 00:17:31,015 Secretary Austin also said that Ukraine 480 00:17:31,015 --> 00:17:32,792 is better served in going after 481 00:17:32,792 --> 00:17:35,015 tactical and operational targets on the 482 00:17:35,015 --> 00:17:37,015 battlefield . The same times native 483 00:17:37,015 --> 00:17:38,848 officials say that these strikes 484 00:17:38,848 --> 00:17:40,737 significantly undermined Russia's 485 00:17:40,737 --> 00:17:43,070 economy and its ability to fund the war . 486 00:17:43,070 --> 00:17:45,237 So I have two questions here . What is 487 00:17:45,237 --> 00:17:47,237 your assessment of the impact these 488 00:17:47,237 --> 00:17:49,015 strikes have on the dynamics of 489 00:17:49,015 --> 00:17:50,959 Russia's war against Ukraine ? And 490 00:17:50,959 --> 00:17:53,015 secondly , why does the Pentagon not 491 00:17:53,015 --> 00:17:55,280 consider oil refineries that are 492 00:17:55,290 --> 00:17:57,790 directly linked to Russia's ability to 493 00:17:57,800 --> 00:18:00,380 fund the war as legitimate strategic 494 00:18:00,390 --> 00:18:02,612 targets for Ukraine ? Yeah . Well , I I 495 00:18:02,612 --> 00:18:05,199 won't speak for uh Doctor Wallander and 496 00:18:05,209 --> 00:18:07,265 and , you know , obviously the , the 497 00:18:07,265 --> 00:18:09,542 secretary's words speak for themselves . 498 00:18:09,542 --> 00:18:12,829 Um As Secretary Austin highlighted , 499 00:18:12,979 --> 00:18:15,250 you know , our focus is on supporting 500 00:18:15,260 --> 00:18:17,390 Ukraine and its ability to defend its 501 00:18:17,400 --> 00:18:20,300 sovereign territory . Uh And so when it 502 00:18:20,310 --> 00:18:22,670 comes to the situation at hand on the 503 00:18:22,680 --> 00:18:25,380 battlefield , um you know , we , we 504 00:18:25,390 --> 00:18:28,000 continue to think uh and support 505 00:18:28,010 --> 00:18:30,380 Ukraine's efforts to take back 506 00:18:30,390 --> 00:18:32,279 sovereign territory and defend uh 507 00:18:32,279 --> 00:18:34,001 territory from further Russian 508 00:18:34,001 --> 00:18:36,810 aggression . Um I'll just leave it 509 00:18:36,819 --> 00:18:38,986 there , assessment of the impact these 510 00:18:38,986 --> 00:18:41,041 strikes have on the situation of the 511 00:18:41,041 --> 00:18:44,189 world . I I don't . Yes , sir . Thank 512 00:18:44,199 --> 00:18:45,810 you General . Are you taking 513 00:18:45,810 --> 00:18:48,032 precautions against any attacks by Iran 514 00:18:48,150 --> 00:18:49,983 or pros ? I mean , do you expect 515 00:18:49,983 --> 00:18:52,589 attacks on us s in , in the region ? Uh 516 00:18:52,609 --> 00:18:55,380 As I , as I mentioned , uh again , you 517 00:18:55,390 --> 00:18:57,599 know , as we always do . Uh and as 518 00:18:57,609 --> 00:19:00,609 we've been doing since Hamas attack on 519 00:19:00,880 --> 00:19:02,991 seventh , we are going to continue to 520 00:19:02,991 --> 00:19:05,047 take appropriate steps to ensure the 521 00:19:05,047 --> 00:19:08,160 safety of our forces in the region . Um 522 00:19:08,880 --> 00:19:10,880 for op operation security and force 523 00:19:10,880 --> 00:19:12,936 protection reasons . I won't go into 524 00:19:12,936 --> 00:19:15,158 those specifics other than to say , you 525 00:19:15,158 --> 00:19:17,269 know , the safety and security of our 526 00:19:17,269 --> 00:19:19,491 forces is always paramount . And lastly 527 00:19:19,491 --> 00:19:21,269 sir , uh is the visit of Sancom 528 00:19:21,269 --> 00:19:23,436 commander as a part of your coordinate 529 00:19:23,436 --> 00:19:25,213 with Tel Aviv in case Israel is 530 00:19:25,213 --> 00:19:27,324 attacked ? Is I'm sorry , can you say 531 00:19:27,324 --> 00:19:29,547 that again ? I mean , the visit of sent 532 00:19:29,547 --> 00:19:32,300 com commander to Israel is a part of 533 00:19:32,359 --> 00:19:35,359 the coordinations with Tel A is if 534 00:19:35,369 --> 00:19:38,430 Israel is attacked . Um as I understand 535 00:19:38,439 --> 00:19:40,890 it , uh you know , due to recent 536 00:19:40,900 --> 00:19:43,140 developments , he moved up his trip to 537 00:19:43,150 --> 00:19:45,510 meet with Key ID F leadership uh 538 00:19:45,520 --> 00:19:47,742 discuss the current security threats in 539 00:19:47,742 --> 00:19:50,130 the region . Um But beyond that , I'd 540 00:19:50,140 --> 00:19:52,362 refer you to sin income . Yes , ma'am . 541 00:19:52,630 --> 00:19:54,852 Thank you , sir . I wanted to ask about 542 00:19:54,852 --> 00:19:56,852 the August trilateral program and a 543 00:19:56,852 --> 00:19:58,963 little bit about the progress MS sing 544 00:19:58,963 --> 00:20:00,963 reported earlier this week that the 545 00:20:00,963 --> 00:20:03,074 advanced uh capabilities industry for 546 00:20:03,074 --> 00:20:05,130 would be launched later this month . 547 00:20:05,130 --> 00:20:05,060 Can you speak a little bit more about 548 00:20:05,069 --> 00:20:07,260 that ? And kind of uh what's involved 549 00:20:07,270 --> 00:20:09,381 with launching that type of forum and 550 00:20:09,381 --> 00:20:11,437 what the secretary hopes to see from 551 00:20:11,437 --> 00:20:13,548 that part of the effort ? Thank you . 552 00:20:13,548 --> 00:20:15,659 Yeah , sure . Um You , you know , I'm 553 00:20:15,659 --> 00:20:17,937 gonna be infinitely disappointing here . 554 00:20:17,937 --> 00:20:19,992 Uh And just say that we'll have much 555 00:20:19,992 --> 00:20:21,992 more to provide on that in the near 556 00:20:21,992 --> 00:20:23,937 future . Uh So just stay tuned and 557 00:20:23,937 --> 00:20:26,103 we'll get you more . Let me go to or , 558 00:20:26,103 --> 00:20:26,030 and then I'll go back to the phone here . 559 00:20:26,329 --> 00:20:28,496 I think my question was just asked , I 560 00:20:28,496 --> 00:20:30,329 was gonna ask whether uh General 561 00:20:30,329 --> 00:20:32,329 Carla's troop was rescheduled or in 562 00:20:32,329 --> 00:20:34,607 response to the Israeli attack . Again , 563 00:20:34,607 --> 00:20:36,829 my understanding was he had a scheduled 564 00:20:36,829 --> 00:20:39,369 trip uh to the , to Israel . Um Again , 565 00:20:39,380 --> 00:20:41,436 due to recent events , moved it up . 566 00:20:41,436 --> 00:20:44,520 Thanks . Uh Let me go to uh Laser in 567 00:20:44,530 --> 00:20:47,920 Politico . Hi , thanks for doing this . 568 00:20:47,930 --> 00:20:51,000 Um Given the Iranian threat to Israel , 569 00:20:51,010 --> 00:20:53,177 do you ? Does the us assess that there 570 00:20:53,177 --> 00:20:55,177 is any threat to us , forces in the 571 00:20:55,177 --> 00:20:57,660 region and have you taken any specific 572 00:20:57,670 --> 00:21:00,619 measures uh to ramp up force protection ? 573 00:21:01,530 --> 00:21:03,641 Yeah , thanks Laura . Uh again , as I 574 00:21:03,641 --> 00:21:05,697 mentioned earlier , um from the very 575 00:21:05,697 --> 00:21:07,863 beginning of this conflict , uh two of 576 00:21:07,863 --> 00:21:10,310 our , of our uh key objectives have 577 00:21:10,319 --> 00:21:12,939 been to ensure the safety and security 578 00:21:12,949 --> 00:21:14,893 of us , forces and citizens in the 579 00:21:14,893 --> 00:21:16,671 region uh as well as supporting 580 00:21:16,671 --> 00:21:19,390 Israel's inherent right to self defense . 581 00:21:19,400 --> 00:21:21,969 And so , uh as we monitor potential 582 00:21:21,979 --> 00:21:23,979 threats , uh we're of course taking 583 00:21:23,979 --> 00:21:26,849 appropriate measures uh to uh to 584 00:21:26,859 --> 00:21:29,026 include any necessary force protection 585 00:21:29,026 --> 00:21:31,081 measures , but I won't go into those 586 00:21:31,081 --> 00:21:33,081 for OPEC and , and force protection 587 00:21:33,081 --> 00:21:35,430 reasons . Uh Let me go to uh Tara A P . 588 00:21:35,849 --> 00:21:37,849 Can I have uh if I could ask them ? 589 00:21:37,849 --> 00:21:40,550 Secondly , um since the World Central 590 00:21:40,560 --> 00:21:42,719 Kitchen Strike , uh there was the 591 00:21:42,729 --> 00:21:44,951 investigation that came out from the ID 592 00:21:44,951 --> 00:21:47,173 F is the US , is the Pentagon satisfied 593 00:21:47,173 --> 00:21:49,829 with changes that ID F has made to its 594 00:21:49,839 --> 00:21:51,839 rules of engagement without talking 595 00:21:51,839 --> 00:21:53,895 about specific rules of engagement . 596 00:21:53,895 --> 00:21:56,061 But are you satisfied with the changes 597 00:21:56,061 --> 00:21:58,400 the ID F has made uh in terms of uh to 598 00:21:58,410 --> 00:22:01,819 the safety of aid workers . Uh You know , 599 00:22:01,829 --> 00:22:03,910 again , uh as I mentioned earlier , 600 00:22:03,920 --> 00:22:06,239 Laura , um you know , the , the 601 00:22:06,250 --> 00:22:09,239 investigation that uh that Israel is 602 00:22:09,250 --> 00:22:11,417 doing uh and that the information that 603 00:22:11,417 --> 00:22:13,639 they provided to us is , is still under 604 00:22:13,639 --> 00:22:16,050 review . Uh So , uh you know , again , 605 00:22:16,060 --> 00:22:18,339 more to follow uh as , as the White 606 00:22:18,349 --> 00:22:20,460 House and NSC take the lead on that . 607 00:22:20,660 --> 00:22:23,810 Um Secretary Austin in his uh phone 608 00:22:23,819 --> 00:22:25,930 call last week with Minister Gant did 609 00:22:25,930 --> 00:22:28,041 have the opportunity uh to talk about 610 00:22:28,400 --> 00:22:30,859 uh efforts that Israel is taking . Uh 611 00:22:30,869 --> 00:22:33,020 Of course , um you know , we're gonna 612 00:22:33,030 --> 00:22:35,489 with withhold judgment until we learn 613 00:22:35,500 --> 00:22:37,556 more , but we do expect them to take 614 00:22:37,556 --> 00:22:39,778 concrete steps to ensure that that kind 615 00:22:39,778 --> 00:22:42,020 of strike does not happen again . Come 616 00:22:42,089 --> 00:22:44,489 back in the room . Yes , sir . My 617 00:22:44,500 --> 00:22:47,119 question is that how important is these 618 00:22:47,130 --> 00:22:50,660 two big visits to Washington , Japanese 619 00:22:50,670 --> 00:22:52,900 Prime Minister and Philippines 620 00:22:52,910 --> 00:22:55,670 president , as far as China's threat is 621 00:22:55,680 --> 00:22:58,699 growing in the region , including 622 00:22:59,020 --> 00:23:01,242 Chinese President said that his goal is 623 00:23:01,250 --> 00:23:04,069 to take over Taiwan or one day someday 624 00:23:04,079 --> 00:23:06,390 he will , they will attack Taiwan . My 625 00:23:06,400 --> 00:23:08,800 question is that as far as us national 626 00:23:08,810 --> 00:23:12,430 security concern . So where do we stand , 627 00:23:12,439 --> 00:23:14,849 how us will act or react as far as 628 00:23:14,859 --> 00:23:16,748 these activities in the region by 629 00:23:16,748 --> 00:23:19,369 Chinese threats ? Yeah , sure . Uh Well , 630 00:23:19,380 --> 00:23:21,158 thank you know , thank you as I 631 00:23:21,158 --> 00:23:23,047 highlighted at the top . Um these 632 00:23:23,047 --> 00:23:25,300 visits this week uh are very important 633 00:23:25,310 --> 00:23:27,532 uh because again , they demonstrate the 634 00:23:27,532 --> 00:23:29,800 the strengthening of our alliances uh 635 00:23:29,810 --> 00:23:32,500 with two very important allies , Japan 636 00:23:32,810 --> 00:23:35,609 and the Philippines . And , and when it 637 00:23:35,619 --> 00:23:38,790 comes to uh the situation in the Indo 638 00:23:38,810 --> 00:23:40,699 Pacific , it's important again to 639 00:23:40,699 --> 00:23:42,866 underscore that our focus is on a free 640 00:23:42,866 --> 00:23:45,180 and open , secure and stable and 641 00:23:45,189 --> 00:23:47,310 prosperous Indo Pacific and working 642 00:23:47,319 --> 00:23:50,640 with like minded partners to ensure uh 643 00:23:50,650 --> 00:23:53,760 that it stays that way . Uh And that uh 644 00:23:53,770 --> 00:23:55,548 the sovereignty of countries is 645 00:23:55,548 --> 00:23:58,410 respected and that the uh international 646 00:23:58,689 --> 00:24:02,469 uh uh rules based order uh is 647 00:24:02,900 --> 00:24:05,250 taken into account . Uh And so that's 648 00:24:05,260 --> 00:24:07,699 really our focus is on , on working 649 00:24:07,709 --> 00:24:09,765 together to ensure regional security 650 00:24:09,765 --> 00:24:11,765 and stability . Uh And if there are 651 00:24:11,765 --> 00:24:13,849 countries out there uh that have a 652 00:24:13,859 --> 00:24:15,915 different view that use coercion and 653 00:24:15,915 --> 00:24:17,970 aggression , uh we certainly want to 654 00:24:17,970 --> 00:24:20,081 work together to deter and prevent uh 655 00:24:20,081 --> 00:24:22,910 those kinds of activities from impeding 656 00:24:22,920 --> 00:24:26,140 or uh on individual nations sovereignty . 657 00:24:27,810 --> 00:24:30,449 So just to include , where would you 658 00:24:30,459 --> 00:24:33,030 fit India in these situations in the 659 00:24:33,040 --> 00:24:34,762 region ? Because India is also 660 00:24:34,762 --> 00:24:37,020 concerned as far as Chinese activity in 661 00:24:37,030 --> 00:24:40,319 the Indian Ocean is concerned , of 662 00:24:40,329 --> 00:24:42,551 course , I mean , as we've talked about 663 00:24:42,551 --> 00:24:45,010 before , uh India uh is , is a very 664 00:24:45,020 --> 00:24:47,187 important partner of the United States 665 00:24:47,187 --> 00:24:49,353 and uh the relationship between the US 666 00:24:49,353 --> 00:24:52,339 and India continues to grow . Uh And we 667 00:24:52,349 --> 00:24:54,560 look very forward uh to continuing to 668 00:24:54,569 --> 00:24:56,770 work with India uh towards our shared 669 00:24:56,780 --> 00:24:59,002 values in the region of a free and open 670 00:24:59,002 --> 00:25:02,329 Indo Pacific . I skipped over Tara here 671 00:25:02,339 --> 00:25:04,506 real quick . T did you have a question 672 00:25:04,506 --> 00:25:06,617 or are you good to go ? I did . Thank 673 00:25:06,617 --> 00:25:08,839 you for remembering me . Um I wanted to 674 00:25:08,839 --> 00:25:12,260 talk to Haiti , what is uh the Pentagon 675 00:25:12,270 --> 00:25:14,270 assessing right now with the ground 676 00:25:14,270 --> 00:25:16,381 situation in Haiti ? And is there any 677 00:25:16,390 --> 00:25:18,520 movement of sending additional forces 678 00:25:18,530 --> 00:25:21,520 there for any sort of protection ? Yeah , 679 00:25:21,530 --> 00:25:24,780 thanks Tara . Um No announcements to 680 00:25:24,790 --> 00:25:27,012 make right now regarding any additional 681 00:25:27,012 --> 00:25:29,410 forces , us military forces to Haiti . 682 00:25:29,719 --> 00:25:32,890 Um You know , again , we , we are as we 683 00:25:32,900 --> 00:25:34,956 previously announced , maintaining a 684 00:25:34,956 --> 00:25:37,150 small contingent for embassy security 685 00:25:37,339 --> 00:25:39,880 uh at the moment , um you know , and 686 00:25:39,890 --> 00:25:41,946 again , in terms of the situation on 687 00:25:41,946 --> 00:25:44,057 the ground there , uh yy , you know , 688 00:25:44,057 --> 00:25:46,223 you're reading the news just like I am 689 00:25:46,223 --> 00:25:48,900 in terms of uh the , the impact uh that 690 00:25:48,910 --> 00:25:51,410 gangs are having uh and the , the high 691 00:25:51,420 --> 00:25:53,642 levels of crime and of course , remains 692 00:25:53,642 --> 00:25:55,979 a very serious situation in Haiti . Um 693 00:25:55,989 --> 00:25:58,239 something that our uh state Department 694 00:25:58,250 --> 00:26:00,472 I know is following very closely as are 695 00:26:00,472 --> 00:26:02,170 we uh but I have no further 696 00:26:02,180 --> 00:26:05,410 announcements at this point . So since 697 00:26:05,420 --> 00:26:07,698 the beginning of the war in Gaza , the , 698 00:26:07,698 --> 00:26:09,809 the department and the secretary were 699 00:26:09,809 --> 00:26:11,976 very clear that they don't want to see 700 00:26:11,976 --> 00:26:14,142 this conflict spread and , and actions 701 00:26:14,142 --> 00:26:16,198 were taken to make sure that doesn't 702 00:26:16,198 --> 00:26:18,309 happen . How do you assess the uh the 703 00:26:18,309 --> 00:26:20,476 impact of the strike uh in Damascus on 704 00:26:20,476 --> 00:26:22,770 the , on the security in the region ? 705 00:26:23,060 --> 00:26:26,910 And do you see any risks in 706 00:26:26,949 --> 00:26:28,890 this instance by supporting and 707 00:26:28,900 --> 00:26:31,011 defending Israel that the US might be 708 00:26:31,011 --> 00:26:32,949 sending the wrong message that 709 00:26:33,619 --> 00:26:35,469 diplomatic installations are a 710 00:26:35,479 --> 00:26:39,329 legitimate target ? Yeah . So um in , 711 00:26:39,339 --> 00:26:41,609 in terms of the , the strike in 712 00:26:41,619 --> 00:26:44,969 Damascus , I'll let Israel speak uh for 713 00:26:44,979 --> 00:26:48,089 themselves . Um you know , and when it 714 00:26:48,099 --> 00:26:50,709 comes to preventing a wider regional 715 00:26:50,719 --> 00:26:54,170 conflict , um you know , so far there 716 00:26:54,180 --> 00:26:56,369 is not . Uh , we certainly hope that 717 00:26:56,380 --> 00:26:58,849 doesn't happen , as I mentioned earlier , 718 00:26:58,859 --> 00:27:00,637 since the very beginning of the 719 00:27:00,637 --> 00:27:02,803 conflict between Israel and Hamas . We 720 00:27:02,803 --> 00:27:04,970 have been working very hard to prevent 721 00:27:04,970 --> 00:27:06,692 a wider regional conflict from 722 00:27:06,692 --> 00:27:08,526 happening . Uh And those efforts 723 00:27:08,526 --> 00:27:11,510 continue . Thank you . Yeah , have a 724 00:27:11,520 --> 00:27:14,439 follow up to what Sony asks last night . 725 00:27:14,449 --> 00:27:16,699 We know that Russia destroyed one of 726 00:27:16,709 --> 00:27:18,876 the biggest power plants in your Kev . 727 00:27:18,876 --> 00:27:20,987 And Ukraine said that it was possible 728 00:27:20,987 --> 00:27:23,153 partially because they are running out 729 00:27:23,153 --> 00:27:25,431 of critical air defense munitions . So , 730 00:27:25,431 --> 00:27:27,320 is there anything that the US can 731 00:27:27,320 --> 00:27:29,487 possibly do to alone or maybe together 732 00:27:29,487 --> 00:27:31,431 with the help of the allies to get 733 00:27:31,431 --> 00:27:33,653 Ukraine what it needs now , air defense 734 00:27:33,653 --> 00:27:35,653 munitions as we are waiting for the 735 00:27:35,653 --> 00:27:37,876 Congress to act . Yeah , and we've been 736 00:27:37,876 --> 00:27:39,931 doing it . Um , you know , certainly 737 00:27:39,931 --> 00:27:42,153 the , the most important thing we could 738 00:27:42,153 --> 00:27:44,431 do is get the supplemental passed . Um , 739 00:27:44,469 --> 00:27:46,580 but that doesn't mean that , that the 740 00:27:46,580 --> 00:27:48,691 department and the US government is , 741 00:27:48,691 --> 00:27:51,025 is , you know , not doing anything . Um , 742 00:27:51,025 --> 00:27:53,080 as you know , we continue to consult 743 00:27:53,080 --> 00:27:55,191 closely with our international allies 744 00:27:55,191 --> 00:27:57,136 and partners . Uh , and , and with 745 00:27:57,136 --> 00:27:59,302 Ukraine on the importance of providing 746 00:27:59,302 --> 00:28:01,191 uh very important capabilities to 747 00:28:01,191 --> 00:28:03,260 include air defense to Ukraine . So 748 00:28:03,270 --> 00:28:05,719 we'll continue to consult with uh our 749 00:28:05,969 --> 00:28:08,050 coalition around the world to ensure 750 00:28:08,060 --> 00:28:10,227 and see what we can get for Ukraine on 751 00:28:10,227 --> 00:28:12,116 that front . But again , the most 752 00:28:12,116 --> 00:28:14,116 important thing we can do right now 753 00:28:14,116 --> 00:28:16,282 from a US national security standpoint 754 00:28:16,282 --> 00:28:18,449 is pass the supplemental . All right . 755 00:28:18,449 --> 00:28:18,030 Thank you very much . Everybody . 756 00:28:18,040 --> 00:28:18,640 Appreciate it .