1 00:00:01,860 --> 00:00:03,860 All right . Well , good afternoon , 2 00:00:03,970 --> 00:00:07,269 everyone just have a few items at the 3 00:00:07,280 --> 00:00:09,280 top and then I'll get right to your 4 00:00:09,280 --> 00:00:11,579 questions . Uh First , on a topic that 5 00:00:11,590 --> 00:00:13,949 I know all of you are following closely , 6 00:00:14,460 --> 00:00:16,627 the Department of Defense continues to 7 00:00:16,627 --> 00:00:18,682 closely monitor the situation in the 8 00:00:18,682 --> 00:00:20,460 Middle East . As you've heard , 9 00:00:20,460 --> 00:00:22,670 Secretary Austin say the US remains 10 00:00:22,680 --> 00:00:24,809 intensely focused on deescalating 11 00:00:24,819 --> 00:00:27,010 tensions in the region while also 12 00:00:27,020 --> 00:00:29,219 remaining focused on securing a cease 13 00:00:29,229 --> 00:00:31,569 fire as part of a hostage deal to bring 14 00:00:31,579 --> 00:00:33,849 all of the hostages home and to end the 15 00:00:33,860 --> 00:00:36,389 war in Gaza . And during a phone call 16 00:00:36,400 --> 00:00:38,680 on Sunday to Israeli Defense Minister 17 00:00:38,909 --> 00:00:41,131 Yoav Gallant , the Secretary reiterated 18 00:00:41,131 --> 00:00:43,259 the United states' commitment to take 19 00:00:43,270 --> 00:00:45,900 every possible step to defend Israel 20 00:00:45,909 --> 00:00:47,798 and noted the strengthening of us 21 00:00:47,798 --> 00:00:50,020 military force posture and capabilities 22 00:00:50,130 --> 00:00:52,297 throughout the Middle East in light of 23 00:00:52,297 --> 00:00:53,908 escalating regional tensions 24 00:00:53,909 --> 00:00:56,139 reinforcing this commitment . Secretary 25 00:00:56,150 --> 00:00:58,459 Austin ordered the US S Abraham Lincoln 26 00:00:58,470 --> 00:01:01,299 Carrier strike group equipped with F-35 27 00:01:01,310 --> 00:01:04,400 C fighters to accelerate its transit to 28 00:01:04,410 --> 00:01:05,966 the central command area of 29 00:01:05,966 --> 00:01:07,690 responsibility adding to the 30 00:01:07,699 --> 00:01:10,290 capabilities already provided by the US 31 00:01:10,300 --> 00:01:12,300 S Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike 32 00:01:12,300 --> 00:01:14,510 group . Additionally , the secretary 33 00:01:14,519 --> 00:01:16,930 ordered the USS Georgia guided missile 34 00:01:16,940 --> 00:01:19,273 submarine to the Central command region . 35 00:01:19,480 --> 00:01:21,500 These us military force posture 36 00:01:21,510 --> 00:01:23,677 adjustments are designed to improve us 37 00:01:23,677 --> 00:01:25,930 force protection to increase our 38 00:01:25,940 --> 00:01:28,639 support for the defense of Israel and 39 00:01:28,650 --> 00:01:30,872 to ensure the United States is prepared 40 00:01:30,872 --> 00:01:32,739 to respond to a wide variety of 41 00:01:32,750 --> 00:01:35,379 contingencies during their call . 42 00:01:35,389 --> 00:01:37,445 Secretary Austin and Minister Galant 43 00:01:37,445 --> 00:01:39,839 also discussed Israel's operations in 44 00:01:39,849 --> 00:01:42,220 Gaza and the importance of mitigating 45 00:01:42,230 --> 00:01:44,930 civilian harm progress towards securing 46 00:01:44,940 --> 00:01:47,162 a ceasefire and the release of hostages 47 00:01:47,162 --> 00:01:49,559 held in Gaza and our efforts to deter 48 00:01:49,569 --> 00:01:52,529 aggression by Iran Lebanese Hezbollah 49 00:01:52,540 --> 00:01:54,849 and other Iran aligned groups across 50 00:01:54,860 --> 00:01:57,559 the region . Switching gears . 51 00:01:57,569 --> 00:01:59,402 Secretary Austin hosted Brunei's 52 00:01:59,410 --> 00:02:02,209 Minister of Defense Pin Habi here at 53 00:02:02,220 --> 00:02:04,220 the Pentagon . Earlier today , they 54 00:02:04,220 --> 00:02:06,109 discussed the defense partnership 55 00:02:06,109 --> 00:02:08,276 between our two nations and celebrated 56 00:02:08,276 --> 00:02:10,387 the finalization of key agreements to 57 00:02:10,387 --> 00:02:12,109 enhance logistics and security 58 00:02:12,109 --> 00:02:14,419 assistance . Both leaders emphasized 59 00:02:14,429 --> 00:02:16,485 their commitment to strengthening us 60 00:02:16,485 --> 00:02:18,485 Brunei ties and to supporting their 61 00:02:18,485 --> 00:02:21,240 shared vision of a free and open Indo 62 00:02:21,309 --> 00:02:23,531 Pacific . A readout of the meeting will 63 00:02:23,531 --> 00:02:25,698 be posted to defense.gov later today . 64 00:02:26,389 --> 00:02:28,556 And finally , the department announced 65 00:02:28,556 --> 00:02:30,778 yesterday the launch of the dod housing 66 00:02:30,778 --> 00:02:32,556 feedback system , an initiative 67 00:02:32,556 --> 00:02:34,611 designed to enhance transparency and 68 00:02:34,611 --> 00:02:36,445 accountability in dod privatized 69 00:02:36,445 --> 00:02:39,139 military housing . The system opens an 70 00:02:39,149 --> 00:02:40,649 additional high visibility 71 00:02:40,649 --> 00:02:42,760 communication channel for active duty 72 00:02:42,760 --> 00:02:44,820 service members and their authorized 73 00:02:44,830 --> 00:02:46,608 dependents living in privatized 74 00:02:46,608 --> 00:02:48,869 military housing to submit public 75 00:02:48,880 --> 00:02:50,936 feedback related to the condition of 76 00:02:50,936 --> 00:02:52,824 their current housing unit and to 77 00:02:52,824 --> 00:02:54,491 receive a response from their 78 00:02:54,491 --> 00:02:56,509 privatized landlord . The system is 79 00:02:56,520 --> 00:02:58,960 intended to augment not replace 80 00:02:58,970 --> 00:03:00,889 existing processes for submitting 81 00:03:00,899 --> 00:03:02,843 maintenance , work order request , 82 00:03:03,089 --> 00:03:05,311 privatized military housing . Residents 83 00:03:05,311 --> 00:03:07,367 should continue to submit work order 84 00:03:07,367 --> 00:03:09,256 request through their community's 85 00:03:09,256 --> 00:03:11,145 property manager or other regular 86 00:03:11,145 --> 00:03:13,256 channels to receive corrective action 87 00:03:13,256 --> 00:03:15,478 for maintenance issues . The Department 88 00:03:15,478 --> 00:03:17,533 of Defense has a moral obligation to 89 00:03:17,533 --> 00:03:19,367 ensure that the spaces where our 90 00:03:19,367 --> 00:03:21,589 service members and their families live 91 00:03:21,589 --> 00:03:23,867 are healthy , functional and resilient . 92 00:03:23,867 --> 00:03:26,033 This new feedback system is a critical 93 00:03:26,033 --> 00:03:28,256 step to ensuring transparent and timely 94 00:03:28,256 --> 00:03:30,256 responses to occupants concerns and 95 00:03:30,256 --> 00:03:32,478 aligns with Secretary Austin's priority 96 00:03:32,478 --> 00:03:34,589 to take care of our people . And with 97 00:03:34,589 --> 00:03:36,422 that , I'd be happy to take your 98 00:03:36,422 --> 00:03:38,645 questions . We'll start with associated 99 00:03:38,645 --> 00:03:41,259 press lita . Thank you , Pat . Um Can 100 00:03:41,270 --> 00:03:43,539 you give us a quick update on the 101 00:03:43,550 --> 00:03:46,949 injuries in Syria ? Um There weren't a 102 00:03:46,960 --> 00:03:49,182 lot of details . Initially , I was sort 103 00:03:49,182 --> 00:03:51,349 of hoping you had a bit more detail on 104 00:03:51,349 --> 00:03:53,516 numbers and extent of the injuries and 105 00:03:53,516 --> 00:03:55,571 then I have a couple of little um on 106 00:03:55,571 --> 00:03:57,793 your Middle East update . Sure . As you 107 00:03:57,793 --> 00:03:59,738 know , as we highlighted earlier , 108 00:03:59,738 --> 00:04:02,009 there were ongoing medical evaluations 109 00:04:02,020 --> 00:04:03,964 uh after that attack following the 110 00:04:03,964 --> 00:04:06,020 attack out of out of an abundance of 111 00:04:06,020 --> 00:04:08,076 caution , eight service members were 112 00:04:08,076 --> 00:04:10,740 transported to a separate location for 113 00:04:10,750 --> 00:04:13,119 further assessment and evaluation . All 114 00:04:13,130 --> 00:04:15,619 eight received treatment for TB I and 115 00:04:15,630 --> 00:04:17,730 smoke inhalation . Uh Three of those 116 00:04:17,739 --> 00:04:19,850 service members have returned to duty 117 00:04:19,850 --> 00:04:21,517 while the others remain under 118 00:04:21,517 --> 00:04:23,406 observation . Uh But according to 119 00:04:23,406 --> 00:04:25,628 Centcom , none of the injuries are life 120 00:04:25,628 --> 00:04:27,739 threatening . Ok . Ok . And then just 121 00:04:27,739 --> 00:04:29,961 on your Middle East update . Uh Can you 122 00:04:29,961 --> 00:04:31,795 tell us if the fa eighteens have 123 00:04:31,795 --> 00:04:33,850 returned to the carrier now that the 124 00:04:33,850 --> 00:04:36,809 F-22s are in place ? And uh do you , 125 00:04:36,820 --> 00:04:39,890 does the secretary intend to keep two 126 00:04:39,899 --> 00:04:42,410 carriers ? I know this has been asked , 127 00:04:42,420 --> 00:04:44,531 I didn't know if maybe you had a more 128 00:04:44,531 --> 00:04:46,753 firm answer on that . Keep two carriers 129 00:04:46,753 --> 00:04:48,864 in the region for any extended period 130 00:04:48,864 --> 00:04:50,976 of time . Yeah , I , I don't have any 131 00:04:50,976 --> 00:04:53,031 specific updates uh that I'm able to 132 00:04:53,031 --> 00:04:55,309 share right now . Lida in terms of the , 133 00:04:55,309 --> 00:04:57,309 the locations of the F-18s , as you 134 00:04:57,309 --> 00:04:59,198 know , they , they are in theater 135 00:04:59,198 --> 00:05:01,779 obviously uh as part of the , the uh 136 00:05:01,790 --> 00:05:03,989 Theodore Roosevelt strike group . Um 137 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:06,790 Certainly keep you updated on that . Um 138 00:05:06,799 --> 00:05:10,480 in terms of the uh ABE coming into the 139 00:05:10,489 --> 00:05:12,656 A or I'm just not gonna be able to get 140 00:05:12,656 --> 00:05:14,711 into timelines in terms of potential 141 00:05:14,711 --> 00:05:17,750 overlap . Um You know , again , as 142 00:05:17,760 --> 00:05:20,390 we've highlighted , the secretary has 143 00:05:20,399 --> 00:05:22,709 ordered that carrier to accelerate uh 144 00:05:23,029 --> 00:05:25,700 to get to the Sam A or , and it will 145 00:05:25,709 --> 00:05:27,931 add to the capabilities that we have in 146 00:05:27,931 --> 00:05:29,931 the region . I think there's just a 147 00:05:29,931 --> 00:05:31,931 little bit of confusion on the word 148 00:05:31,931 --> 00:05:31,910 accelerate also , I mean , it goes at a 149 00:05:31,920 --> 00:05:34,269 certain speed . Is , is he cutting out 150 00:05:34,279 --> 00:05:36,168 a port call or is he asking it to 151 00:05:37,190 --> 00:05:40,529 somehow go faster ? It's gonna move uh 152 00:05:40,609 --> 00:05:43,149 you know , with all haste to get to the 153 00:05:43,160 --> 00:05:44,827 A or again to provide this uh 154 00:05:44,827 --> 00:05:47,309 additional capability and capacity ? Ok . 155 00:05:47,559 --> 00:05:49,726 Lucas , welcome to the briefing room . 156 00:05:49,726 --> 00:05:51,892 Thank you , General Ryder . Appreciate 157 00:05:51,892 --> 00:05:54,003 that . Under what circumstances would 158 00:05:54,003 --> 00:05:56,739 us forces launch an attack on Iran ? So 159 00:05:56,750 --> 00:05:59,510 look , our focus is on deescalating the 160 00:05:59,519 --> 00:06:02,190 situation . We have put these 161 00:06:02,200 --> 00:06:04,709 additional capabilities into the region 162 00:06:04,720 --> 00:06:06,670 to enable us as I highlighted to 163 00:06:06,679 --> 00:06:08,846 protect our forces but also to support 164 00:06:08,850 --> 00:06:10,906 the defense of Israel . Should it be 165 00:06:10,906 --> 00:06:12,961 attacked ? Not going to speculate or 166 00:06:12,961 --> 00:06:15,072 get into hypotheticals on when and if 167 00:06:15,072 --> 00:06:17,540 Iran launches an attack or , or one of 168 00:06:17,549 --> 00:06:19,493 their proxies launches an attack , 169 00:06:19,609 --> 00:06:21,665 their public comments have been very 170 00:06:21,665 --> 00:06:23,498 clear . So we need to take those 171 00:06:23,498 --> 00:06:25,276 seriously . But our focus is on 172 00:06:25,276 --> 00:06:27,434 deescalating tensions uh working on 173 00:06:27,445 --> 00:06:29,501 enabling that cease fire and getting 174 00:06:29,501 --> 00:06:31,445 these hostages returned home . But 175 00:06:31,445 --> 00:06:33,556 isn't it important this critical time 176 00:06:33,556 --> 00:06:35,667 in history that you send a very clear 177 00:06:35,667 --> 00:06:37,723 signal to Iran that if they attack , 178 00:06:37,723 --> 00:06:39,889 launch a major attack on Israel and or 179 00:06:39,889 --> 00:06:43,704 its proxies us military will attack 180 00:06:43,714 --> 00:06:45,915 Iran . Don't you need to send a clear 181 00:06:45,924 --> 00:06:49,894 signal about what Iran ? If they do 182 00:06:49,904 --> 00:06:52,519 it , if they cross it , you will attack 183 00:06:52,529 --> 00:06:54,362 them . I think we are sending an 184 00:06:54,362 --> 00:06:56,585 extremely clear signal which is that we 185 00:06:56,585 --> 00:06:58,670 are going to support the defense of 186 00:06:58,679 --> 00:07:01,250 Israel as evidenced by the capabilities 187 00:07:01,260 --> 00:07:03,260 that one we already retained in the 188 00:07:03,260 --> 00:07:05,149 region . And two , the additional 189 00:07:05,149 --> 00:07:07,371 capabilities that were flowing into the 190 00:07:07,371 --> 00:07:11,119 Centcom and UAOR on Lincoln , the 191 00:07:11,130 --> 00:07:13,186 secretary has ordered Lincoln to the 192 00:07:13,186 --> 00:07:15,297 Middle East twice . Now in the past , 193 00:07:15,297 --> 00:07:17,352 in over 10 days , the first time was 194 00:07:17,352 --> 00:07:19,352 two days after the Hamas leader was 195 00:07:19,352 --> 00:07:21,463 killed outside in Tehran , the second 196 00:07:21,463 --> 00:07:23,686 time was on Sunday , as you mentioned , 197 00:07:24,170 --> 00:07:26,679 if the where was the sense of urgency 198 00:07:26,690 --> 00:07:28,912 for Lincoln to get to the Middle East ? 199 00:07:28,912 --> 00:07:31,023 Uh Lincoln was just doing an exercise 200 00:07:31,029 --> 00:07:33,510 with the Italian Navy on Friday . If it 201 00:07:33,519 --> 00:07:35,741 was so urgent for Lincoln to get to the 202 00:07:35,741 --> 00:07:37,686 Middle East , why did you need the 203 00:07:37,686 --> 00:07:39,852 second set of orders ? Well , Lucas as 204 00:07:39,852 --> 00:07:41,869 a formal former naval officer , 205 00:07:41,880 --> 00:07:44,029 yourself , you you understand the 206 00:07:44,040 --> 00:07:47,209 complexities and intricacies associated 207 00:07:47,220 --> 00:07:49,579 with managements of large fleets around 208 00:07:49,589 --> 00:07:51,640 the world . And the bottom line is 209 00:07:51,649 --> 00:07:53,589 again , as evidenced by the 210 00:07:53,600 --> 00:07:56,000 capabilities that we are surging into 211 00:07:56,010 --> 00:07:58,649 the region . Uh We will have a variety 212 00:07:58,660 --> 00:08:01,200 of capacity and capability to respond 213 00:08:01,209 --> 00:08:04,559 to various uh contingencies . Again , 214 00:08:04,570 --> 00:08:06,403 the focus is on deescalating the 215 00:08:06,403 --> 00:08:08,730 situation , protecting our forces and 216 00:08:08,739 --> 00:08:10,683 supporting the defense of Israel . 217 00:08:10,683 --> 00:08:12,850 We'll continue and this is not a Lucas 218 00:08:12,850 --> 00:08:14,850 Tomlinson press conference . So I'm 219 00:08:14,850 --> 00:08:17,420 gonna go over to Idris . If you do this , 220 00:08:17,429 --> 00:08:19,660 launch this major attack , the US 221 00:08:19,670 --> 00:08:21,781 military will strike back . Why can't 222 00:08:21,781 --> 00:08:24,003 you just clearly say that I think we've 223 00:08:24,003 --> 00:08:26,003 been very clear that we're going to 224 00:08:26,003 --> 00:08:28,114 support the defense of Israel and I'm 225 00:08:28,114 --> 00:08:27,899 not going to speculate about potential 226 00:08:27,910 --> 00:08:30,799 future attacks by Iran Idris request . 227 00:08:30,809 --> 00:08:32,920 First . I think asking purpose had an 228 00:08:32,920 --> 00:08:34,920 interview with General Bowel or our 229 00:08:34,920 --> 00:08:36,976 commander if it would be possible to 230 00:08:36,976 --> 00:08:39,087 get him in the briefing room or maybe 231 00:08:39,087 --> 00:08:41,198 General Kla to sort of talk about the 232 00:08:41,198 --> 00:08:43,330 Ajus I think that the T walls set up 233 00:08:43,340 --> 00:08:45,396 though , first before we can do that 234 00:08:47,340 --> 00:08:49,549 just on the link . And though was a 235 00:08:49,559 --> 00:08:51,726 written order given to the crew of the 236 00:08:51,726 --> 00:08:54,650 Lincoln regarding the latest ordering 237 00:08:54,659 --> 00:08:56,979 or accelerating . Look , I'm not going 238 00:08:56,989 --> 00:08:59,179 to get into the specifics of how the 239 00:08:59,190 --> 00:09:01,520 Department of Defense transmit orders 240 00:09:01,530 --> 00:09:03,752 to its units . The bottom line is , the 241 00:09:03,752 --> 00:09:06,250 secretary has ordered the US S Abraham 242 00:09:06,260 --> 00:09:08,038 Lincoln carrier strike group to 243 00:09:08,038 --> 00:09:11,140 accelerate its deployment to the SAOR . 244 00:09:11,150 --> 00:09:13,428 And I'm just going to leave it at that . 245 00:09:13,428 --> 00:09:15,483 I think what we're confused about is 246 00:09:15,483 --> 00:09:17,539 what does that mean ? Because if you 247 00:09:17,539 --> 00:09:19,761 say , if you give an order saying going 248 00:09:19,761 --> 00:09:21,983 somewhere , presumably they're going as 249 00:09:21,983 --> 00:09:24,094 fast as they can . And what it sounds 250 00:09:24,094 --> 00:09:23,710 like is maybe this was more public 251 00:09:23,719 --> 00:09:25,719 messaging than an actual legitimate 252 00:09:25,719 --> 00:09:27,663 military order . It's a legitimate 253 00:09:27,663 --> 00:09:29,886 military order and it's accelerating uh 254 00:09:29,886 --> 00:09:32,280 on its mission to get to the Centcom A 255 00:09:32,289 --> 00:09:34,609 or , and again , I'm not gonna get into 256 00:09:34,619 --> 00:09:37,090 the , the in between of when the uh 257 00:09:37,099 --> 00:09:39,210 initial order was given and what they 258 00:09:39,219 --> 00:09:41,108 may or may not have been doing in 259 00:09:41,108 --> 00:09:43,386 between . Then other than to say again , 260 00:09:43,386 --> 00:09:45,441 I think you need to take a step back 261 00:09:45,441 --> 00:09:47,663 and look at what we're attempting to do 262 00:09:47,663 --> 00:09:49,663 here , which is to , to de escalate 263 00:09:49,663 --> 00:09:51,719 tensions in the region , ensure that 264 00:09:51,719 --> 00:09:53,830 our commanders that are in the region 265 00:09:53,830 --> 00:09:55,941 have the capabilities and capacity to 266 00:09:55,941 --> 00:09:58,163 respond to a variety of threats . It is 267 00:09:58,163 --> 00:10:00,330 now going to arrive in Centcom earlier 268 00:10:00,330 --> 00:10:02,552 than it was previously . Yeah , I'm not 269 00:10:02,552 --> 00:10:04,663 going , I'm not going to get into the 270 00:10:04,663 --> 00:10:06,775 specifics of the deployment timelines 271 00:10:06,775 --> 00:10:08,886 causing it's not confusing to me it's 272 00:10:08,886 --> 00:10:11,400 accelerating . So , yes , sir . Thank 273 00:10:11,409 --> 00:10:13,260 you General . Would it be a fair 274 00:10:13,270 --> 00:10:15,659 assessment to say that Israel cannot 275 00:10:15,669 --> 00:10:18,059 defend itself on its own ? And that's 276 00:10:18,070 --> 00:10:20,630 why they need the US military support 277 00:10:20,640 --> 00:10:22,584 in the region against Iran and its 278 00:10:22,584 --> 00:10:24,840 proxies . Well , the US and Israel have 279 00:10:24,849 --> 00:10:27,260 shared a long standing security 280 00:10:27,270 --> 00:10:29,750 relationship and we've been very clear 281 00:10:29,760 --> 00:10:33,530 even before October 7th on uh 282 00:10:33,539 --> 00:10:36,359 the US support for Israel supporting 283 00:10:36,369 --> 00:10:39,359 its qualitative military edge . Uh But 284 00:10:39,369 --> 00:10:42,030 also post October 7th have been very , 285 00:10:42,039 --> 00:10:45,729 very um clear in terms of our ironclad 286 00:10:45,739 --> 00:10:48,190 support for the defense of Israel . And 287 00:10:48,200 --> 00:10:50,849 so as you saw on April 13 , when Iran 288 00:10:50,859 --> 00:10:52,915 conducted its unprecedented attack , 289 00:10:52,915 --> 00:10:55,489 the United States , true to its word 290 00:10:55,500 --> 00:10:57,556 supported the defense of Israel just 291 00:10:57,556 --> 00:10:59,722 one more . So , is this a just in case 292 00:10:59,722 --> 00:11:02,780 situation or is this military support 293 00:11:02,840 --> 00:11:05,007 indispensable ? Because you've got the 294 00:11:05,007 --> 00:11:07,919 F-35s F-22s , F-18s sixteens fifteens , 295 00:11:07,929 --> 00:11:11,200 the warships , the air defense systems , 296 00:11:11,210 --> 00:11:13,543 the troops , everything like , you know , 297 00:11:13,543 --> 00:11:15,710 the whole nine yards . Is this just in 298 00:11:15,710 --> 00:11:17,880 case or indispensable ? Well , again , 299 00:11:17,890 --> 00:11:20,001 I'd go back to what I said at the top 300 00:11:20,001 --> 00:11:22,590 and I think it's important not to look 301 00:11:22,599 --> 00:11:24,710 at the individual parts , but look at 302 00:11:24,710 --> 00:11:27,043 what it is that we're trying to do here , 303 00:11:27,043 --> 00:11:28,840 which is deter a wider regional 304 00:11:28,849 --> 00:11:31,950 conflict , prevent a regional war in a 305 00:11:31,960 --> 00:11:35,880 very tense Middle East uh with 306 00:11:35,890 --> 00:11:39,109 Iran threatening to retaliate uh and to 307 00:11:39,119 --> 00:11:42,070 use potentially overwhelming force . 308 00:11:42,080 --> 00:11:44,136 And we again have been very clear in 309 00:11:44,136 --> 00:11:46,809 our commitment to aid in the defense of 310 00:11:46,820 --> 00:11:49,950 Israel . No one wants to see escalation , 311 00:11:49,960 --> 00:11:52,109 no one wants to see a wider regional 312 00:11:52,119 --> 00:11:54,590 conflict . So , you know , hopefully we 313 00:11:54,599 --> 00:11:56,766 don't find ourselves in a situation of 314 00:11:56,766 --> 00:11:58,877 having to employ those capabilities . 315 00:11:58,877 --> 00:12:01,043 Uh But if we need to in the defense of 316 00:12:01,043 --> 00:12:03,155 Israel , we will and so just leave it 317 00:12:03,155 --> 00:12:06,299 there , Charlie . Yes . Um Whatever 318 00:12:06,309 --> 00:12:08,087 term we want to use in terms of 319 00:12:08,087 --> 00:12:10,309 accelerating , it's still going to take 320 00:12:10,309 --> 00:12:12,531 a while 7 to 10 days . I know you wanna 321 00:12:12,531 --> 00:12:15,179 talk about timelines but perhaps more 322 00:12:15,190 --> 00:12:17,301 urgently and something that's already 323 00:12:17,301 --> 00:12:19,468 in the neighborhood is the submarine . 324 00:12:19,468 --> 00:12:21,579 The fact that it was announced , what 325 00:12:21,579 --> 00:12:23,801 does it bring to this fight ? Uh This , 326 00:12:23,801 --> 00:12:25,690 you know , it's a nuclear powered 327 00:12:25,690 --> 00:12:27,890 guided missile submarine , uh provides 328 00:12:27,900 --> 00:12:30,369 again additional capabilities to the 329 00:12:30,380 --> 00:12:32,491 commanders , the US commanders in the 330 00:12:32,491 --> 00:12:35,390 region in terms of not only uh 331 00:12:35,400 --> 00:12:37,456 supporting the defense of Israel but 332 00:12:37,456 --> 00:12:39,849 also protecting our forces . Um And 333 00:12:39,859 --> 00:12:42,250 again , the message here is deterring 334 00:12:42,260 --> 00:12:44,809 potential aggression . Uh It's not 335 00:12:44,820 --> 00:12:47,369 unprecedented that we will highlight 336 00:12:47,380 --> 00:12:49,450 the movement of submarines . Um But 337 00:12:49,460 --> 00:12:51,627 again , it's important to look at this 338 00:12:51,627 --> 00:12:53,460 in the context of the broader US 339 00:12:53,460 --> 00:12:55,627 military force posture in the region , 340 00:12:55,739 --> 00:12:58,539 which is to help protect our forces , 341 00:12:58,549 --> 00:13:00,669 support the defense of Israel . And 342 00:13:00,679 --> 00:13:03,289 again , deter aggression and aim to de 343 00:13:03,349 --> 00:13:05,400 escalate the situation capable of 344 00:13:05,409 --> 00:13:08,030 carrying as many as 175 Tomahawk cruise 345 00:13:08,039 --> 00:13:10,119 missiles . Look , the United States 346 00:13:10,130 --> 00:13:12,186 military is the most powerful in the 347 00:13:12,186 --> 00:13:14,297 world . Uh We have these capabilities 348 00:13:14,297 --> 00:13:16,599 and again , I I'm not gonna belabor the 349 00:13:16,609 --> 00:13:19,349 point , but the , the goal here is to 350 00:13:19,359 --> 00:13:21,539 de escalate the situation and ensure 351 00:13:21,549 --> 00:13:23,493 that we can support the defense of 352 00:13:23,493 --> 00:13:25,549 Israel . Should we need to do that ? 353 00:13:25,549 --> 00:13:27,327 Jie ? Thank you . General . Two 354 00:13:27,327 --> 00:13:30,909 questions on the establishment of the 355 00:13:30,919 --> 00:13:34,830 Strategic Command . Does the Pentagon 356 00:13:34,840 --> 00:13:37,159 support to the compilation of the 357 00:13:37,169 --> 00:13:40,409 establishment of the South Korean 358 00:13:40,419 --> 00:13:44,280 military Strategic Command ? And I have 359 00:13:44,820 --> 00:13:48,270 and can we expected the establishment 360 00:13:48,280 --> 00:13:51,859 of the US rok integrated 361 00:13:51,869 --> 00:13:54,919 strategic plan ? Uh Well , you know , 362 00:13:54,929 --> 00:13:56,929 certainly that's a decision for the 363 00:13:56,929 --> 00:13:59,030 Republic of Korea to make uh to 364 00:13:59,039 --> 00:14:01,280 determine whether or not they stand up 365 00:14:01,289 --> 00:14:04,359 a , a strategic command . Um A as it 366 00:14:04,369 --> 00:14:06,770 relates to that new organization , as I 367 00:14:06,780 --> 00:14:09,179 understand it , uh it will primarily 368 00:14:09,190 --> 00:14:11,799 interact with us forces Korea , which 369 00:14:11,809 --> 00:14:15,080 is how the US military interacts with 370 00:14:15,090 --> 00:14:17,146 the Republic of Korea . But , but as 371 00:14:17,146 --> 00:14:19,257 you know , we are close allies and we 372 00:14:19,257 --> 00:14:21,257 will continue to work together very 373 00:14:21,257 --> 00:14:23,479 closely when it comes to the defense of 374 00:14:23,479 --> 00:14:25,479 the Peninsula and broader , broader 375 00:14:25,479 --> 00:14:27,257 regional security and stability 376 00:14:27,257 --> 00:14:29,257 throughout the Indo Pacific , North 377 00:14:29,257 --> 00:14:31,530 Korea attended Russia 378 00:14:32,520 --> 00:14:36,059 weapons exhibition and 379 00:14:36,070 --> 00:14:39,849 Iran and China also are participating 380 00:14:39,859 --> 00:14:42,849 in this exhibition . What are your 381 00:14:42,859 --> 00:14:46,840 concerns about the expansion of arms 382 00:14:46,849 --> 00:14:49,440 cooper operation between North Korea 383 00:14:49,450 --> 00:14:51,830 and Russia and the Cooper operation ? 384 00:14:51,840 --> 00:14:54,650 Between Iran and China with Russia . 385 00:14:55,299 --> 00:14:57,521 Well , you know , like I'm not going to 386 00:14:57,521 --> 00:14:59,789 comment on the , the weapons expo per 387 00:14:59,799 --> 00:15:02,789 se , but we again closely monitor these 388 00:15:02,799 --> 00:15:04,743 relationships and do have concerns 389 00:15:04,743 --> 00:15:07,780 particularly as it relates to Russia as 390 00:15:07,789 --> 00:15:11,270 it seeks to procure arms and munitions 391 00:15:11,280 --> 00:15:13,640 from these countries to support its war 392 00:15:13,650 --> 00:15:15,890 against Ukraine . So it's something 393 00:15:15,900 --> 00:15:18,067 that we're going to continue to keep a 394 00:15:18,067 --> 00:15:20,233 close eye on . Yes , sir . Thank you . 395 00:15:20,233 --> 00:15:22,409 General two questions on Syria . There 396 00:15:22,419 --> 00:15:24,475 were reports about a joint attack on 397 00:15:24,475 --> 00:15:26,530 the Iranian backed groups in Syria , 398 00:15:26,530 --> 00:15:28,752 which a war military reported that five 399 00:15:28,752 --> 00:15:31,169 members of this militia killed in there . 400 00:15:31,359 --> 00:15:35,219 So this Sunday were the US engaged in 401 00:15:35,229 --> 00:15:37,820 this . I don't have anything on that on 402 00:15:37,830 --> 00:15:39,780 the same issue . I'm sure you're 403 00:15:39,789 --> 00:15:41,789 following the conflicts between the 404 00:15:41,789 --> 00:15:43,622 Syrian Democratic Forces and the 405 00:15:43,622 --> 00:15:45,739 Iranian backed groups in Syria . So , 406 00:15:45,750 --> 00:15:47,989 what's the Pentagon position on this ? 407 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:50,167 What's your comment on that ? And does 408 00:15:50,167 --> 00:15:52,389 the US support gives any support to the 409 00:15:52,389 --> 00:15:54,611 Syrian Democratic forces in their fight 410 00:15:54,611 --> 00:15:56,667 against the Iranian backed groups in 411 00:15:56,667 --> 00:15:58,890 Syria ? Look , the , the US forces that 412 00:15:58,900 --> 00:16:01,289 are in Syria and our focus in Syria is 413 00:16:01,299 --> 00:16:04,070 on the enduring defeat of Isis and that 414 00:16:04,080 --> 00:16:07,469 will continue to remain our focus . As 415 00:16:07,479 --> 00:16:09,609 you know , the SDF have been good 416 00:16:09,619 --> 00:16:11,650 partners in that fight , essential 417 00:16:11,659 --> 00:16:13,510 partners in that fight and that 418 00:16:13,520 --> 00:16:15,849 continues to be the basis for our 419 00:16:15,859 --> 00:16:17,970 relationship and our cooper operation 420 00:16:17,970 --> 00:16:19,970 with the SDF . Their fight with the 421 00:16:19,970 --> 00:16:22,229 Iranian backed group is in Syria , they 422 00:16:22,280 --> 00:16:24,613 derailed their pros on the ISIS mission . 423 00:16:24,840 --> 00:16:27,599 So the concern when the Syrian Russian 424 00:16:27,609 --> 00:16:30,000 forces and also the Iranian backed 425 00:16:30,010 --> 00:16:32,429 forces are fighting with your partners , 426 00:16:32,440 --> 00:16:34,718 this will affect your mission in Syria . 427 00:16:35,530 --> 00:16:38,229 Well , look , I mean , Syria , given 428 00:16:38,239 --> 00:16:39,961 the fact that much of it is uh 429 00:16:39,961 --> 00:16:42,869 essentially considered ungoverned space , 430 00:16:42,880 --> 00:16:44,991 you know , for , for many years now , 431 00:16:44,991 --> 00:16:47,359 which is what has enabled groups like 432 00:16:47,369 --> 00:16:51,349 ISIS to , to foment um continues to be 433 00:16:51,359 --> 00:16:54,830 a challenge . But the US presence in 434 00:16:54,840 --> 00:16:58,669 Syria and our focus in Syria is on the 435 00:16:58,679 --> 00:17:00,790 enduring defeat of Isis . And so that 436 00:17:00,790 --> 00:17:03,012 will continue to remain our focus . Let 437 00:17:03,012 --> 00:17:06,729 me go back to you when you say 438 00:17:06,739 --> 00:17:09,709 we're moving assets to the region to 439 00:17:09,719 --> 00:17:13,159 defend Israel . Could you explain to us 440 00:17:13,208 --> 00:17:16,168 that using the term defend Israel ? Is , 441 00:17:16,178 --> 00:17:19,848 does it mean like the mission or the US 442 00:17:19,859 --> 00:17:21,468 role in the region would be 443 00:17:21,989 --> 00:17:24,999 intercepting the incoming missiles or 444 00:17:25,009 --> 00:17:28,548 maybe taking offensive actions ? Could 445 00:17:28,558 --> 00:17:30,669 you emphasize on that ? Yeah , look , 446 00:17:30,669 --> 00:17:33,889 it hasn't changed since Hamas's 447 00:17:33,899 --> 00:17:36,918 attack on October 7th in terms of the 448 00:17:36,928 --> 00:17:39,095 role that the United States has played 449 00:17:39,095 --> 00:17:41,206 in supporting the defense of Israel . 450 00:17:41,699 --> 00:17:43,866 We are not looking , the United States 451 00:17:43,866 --> 00:17:46,319 is not looking to uh to 452 00:17:47,209 --> 00:17:50,349 engage in offensive operations and , 453 00:17:50,359 --> 00:17:53,849 and um again , potentially spark a 454 00:17:53,859 --> 00:17:56,026 wider regional conflict . Our focus is 455 00:17:56,026 --> 00:17:58,026 on deescalating tensions and that's 456 00:17:58,026 --> 00:18:00,880 been a focus ever since Hamas brutally 457 00:18:00,890 --> 00:18:04,729 killed 1200 Israeli citizens and took 458 00:18:04,739 --> 00:18:08,109 over 250 hostages . And so we will 459 00:18:08,119 --> 00:18:10,341 continue to stay very focused on that . 460 00:18:10,341 --> 00:18:13,569 But as what you saw on April 13th when 461 00:18:13,579 --> 00:18:16,209 Iran conducted its missile and drone 462 00:18:16,219 --> 00:18:19,719 attack against Israel demonstrated uh 463 00:18:19,729 --> 00:18:22,020 the types of activities that , that 464 00:18:22,030 --> 00:18:25,000 Iran is considering . Uh And we've been 465 00:18:25,010 --> 00:18:27,010 very clear that our support for the 466 00:18:27,010 --> 00:18:29,066 defense of Israel will be ironclad . 467 00:18:29,066 --> 00:18:30,899 And so we need to be prepared to 468 00:18:30,899 --> 00:18:33,010 respond to a variety of contingencies 469 00:18:33,010 --> 00:18:34,566 which requires a variety of 470 00:18:34,566 --> 00:18:37,140 capabilities . Uh And because the 471 00:18:37,150 --> 00:18:39,317 United States military possesses those 472 00:18:39,317 --> 00:18:41,039 types of capabilities and more 473 00:18:41,039 --> 00:18:43,094 importantly , uh our service members 474 00:18:43,094 --> 00:18:45,709 are the best in the world . Uh We will 475 00:18:45,719 --> 00:18:48,930 continue to stay focused on uh not only 476 00:18:48,939 --> 00:18:50,939 again protecting our forces but 477 00:18:50,949 --> 00:18:53,005 supporting our commitment to help in 478 00:18:53,005 --> 00:18:55,729 the defense of Israel . Does the 479 00:18:55,770 --> 00:18:58,270 Pentagon believe that the deterrence is 480 00:18:58,280 --> 00:19:01,969 working in the region so far , Joe , 481 00:19:01,979 --> 00:19:04,369 what I would tell you is that the , you 482 00:19:04,380 --> 00:19:06,380 know , it's our assessment that the 483 00:19:06,380 --> 00:19:08,491 conflict between Israel and Hamas has 484 00:19:08,491 --> 00:19:10,436 been contained to Gaza . Certainly 485 00:19:10,436 --> 00:19:12,491 that's not to say that there are not 486 00:19:12,491 --> 00:19:14,770 incredible tensions in the region and 487 00:19:14,780 --> 00:19:16,780 that the situation right now in the 488 00:19:16,780 --> 00:19:18,947 Middle East is very serious , which is 489 00:19:18,947 --> 00:19:20,891 why we're taking it so seriously , 490 00:19:20,891 --> 00:19:22,780 which is why Secretary Austin has 491 00:19:22,780 --> 00:19:24,836 ordered additional capabilities into 492 00:19:24,836 --> 00:19:26,558 the region . Thank you , Joe . 493 00:19:27,479 --> 00:19:29,920 Yesterday , the White House said that 494 00:19:30,030 --> 00:19:31,808 an attack , an Iranian attack , 495 00:19:31,808 --> 00:19:35,150 retaliation could come within days or 496 00:19:35,160 --> 00:19:39,079 this week . And then , so one , do you 497 00:19:39,089 --> 00:19:41,311 share this assessment ? Then two , when 498 00:19:41,311 --> 00:19:43,560 asked if Iran or some of its proxies , 499 00:19:43,569 --> 00:19:45,939 including Hezbollah and Lebanon have 500 00:19:45,949 --> 00:19:47,782 moved any of their assets or put 501 00:19:47,782 --> 00:19:50,609 certain uh rockets , missiles , drones 502 00:19:50,619 --> 00:19:52,841 into position or if they've moved those 503 00:19:52,841 --> 00:19:54,952 into position to attack , we refer to 504 00:19:54,952 --> 00:19:57,119 the Pentagon . So , have you guys seen 505 00:19:57,119 --> 00:19:59,230 any movement ? Yeah . And your second 506 00:19:59,230 --> 00:20:01,341 question ? I , I'm just not gonna get 507 00:20:01,341 --> 00:20:03,452 into intelligence on , on what we may 508 00:20:03,452 --> 00:20:05,563 be seeing . Uh on your first question 509 00:20:05,563 --> 00:20:07,452 is an attack possible this week . 510 00:20:07,452 --> 00:20:09,397 That's certainly possible . Um The 511 00:20:09,397 --> 00:20:11,397 bottom line is , you know , I'm not 512 00:20:11,397 --> 00:20:13,619 going to speculate or , or try to guess 513 00:20:13,619 --> 00:20:16,050 when they might attack . Um , other 514 00:20:16,060 --> 00:20:17,893 than to say , we need to take it 515 00:20:17,893 --> 00:20:19,949 seriously . Uh And we are doing that 516 00:20:19,949 --> 00:20:22,349 and so we will be prepared uh and are 517 00:20:22,359 --> 00:20:25,880 prepared um , on the attacks on us , 518 00:20:25,890 --> 00:20:28,140 troops . We've seen several in the last 519 00:20:28,150 --> 00:20:30,483 few weeks , but in two separate attacks , 520 00:20:30,483 --> 00:20:32,594 troops have been injured or wounded . 521 00:20:32,594 --> 00:20:35,280 Um We have not seen a US response is 522 00:20:35,290 --> 00:20:37,457 that is , is part of the reasoning for 523 00:20:37,459 --> 00:20:39,626 that because of the tense situation in 524 00:20:39,626 --> 00:20:41,737 the Middle East that you've mentioned 525 00:20:41,737 --> 00:20:44,650 uh during this briefing or the US 526 00:20:44,660 --> 00:20:46,938 decided not to respond to these . Yeah , 527 00:20:46,938 --> 00:20:48,660 look , I'll , I'll repeat what 528 00:20:48,660 --> 00:20:50,827 Secretary Austin said during his press 529 00:20:50,827 --> 00:20:53,049 briefing last last week , which is that 530 00:20:53,049 --> 00:20:55,160 we won't tolerate attacks against our 531 00:20:55,160 --> 00:20:57,160 forces and we'll take all necessary 532 00:20:57,160 --> 00:20:59,216 steps to protect our forces . But in 533 00:20:59,216 --> 00:21:01,438 terms of a response , um as always , we 534 00:21:01,438 --> 00:21:03,493 will respond in a time and manner of 535 00:21:03,493 --> 00:21:05,660 our choosing and I'll just leave it at 536 00:21:05,660 --> 00:21:07,882 that . Is it , I mean , is the , is the 537 00:21:07,882 --> 00:21:10,104 situation , current situation , is that 538 00:21:10,104 --> 00:21:11,882 being taken into account by the 539 00:21:11,882 --> 00:21:14,049 department ? Look , I'm not gonna have 540 00:21:14,049 --> 00:21:16,216 anything to provide beyond what I just 541 00:21:16,216 --> 00:21:18,382 said , Carla , thanks Pat . Um , is us 542 00:21:18,382 --> 00:21:21,670 GS Georgia in sitcom now , um , it is 543 00:21:21,680 --> 00:21:25,160 not ok . And then on the attacks in 544 00:21:25,170 --> 00:21:28,890 Syria , um on Raba and Landing Zone who 545 00:21:28,900 --> 00:21:31,400 is responsible for those attacks . So 546 00:21:31,410 --> 00:21:35,040 we assess uh that it was conducted by 547 00:21:35,050 --> 00:21:36,994 Iranian backed Militia , but we're 548 00:21:36,994 --> 00:21:39,800 still uh digging into the uh the 549 00:21:39,810 --> 00:21:41,866 specifics of that . So , thank you . 550 00:21:41,866 --> 00:21:44,143 Let me go to the phone here real quick . 551 00:21:44,143 --> 00:21:46,390 Chris Gordon Air in Space . Uh Thanks 552 00:21:46,400 --> 00:21:49,660 Pat . Um Abraham Lincoln is headed to 553 00:21:49,670 --> 00:21:51,726 scent camp from the Pacific Theodore 554 00:21:51,726 --> 00:21:53,948 Roosevelt uh was previously in the Indo 555 00:21:53,948 --> 00:21:56,170 Pacific . Uh The flare up in the Middle 556 00:21:56,170 --> 00:21:58,281 East has now gone on in some form for 557 00:21:58,281 --> 00:22:00,530 most of the year is the dod 558 00:22:00,540 --> 00:22:02,890 appropriately postured for tensions in 559 00:22:02,900 --> 00:22:05,329 the Pacific and the Middle East uh over 560 00:22:05,339 --> 00:22:07,599 the long term . Thank you . Yeah , 561 00:22:07,609 --> 00:22:09,553 thanks , Chris . Uh You know , the 562 00:22:09,553 --> 00:22:12,119 bottom line is yes . Um The , the thing 563 00:22:12,130 --> 00:22:14,839 about the US military as you're seeing 564 00:22:14,849 --> 00:22:17,359 this week is that we have the ability 565 00:22:17,369 --> 00:22:19,650 to surge forces and capabilities to 566 00:22:19,660 --> 00:22:21,827 where we need them when we need them . 567 00:22:21,827 --> 00:22:24,069 Uh The Indo Pacific Command uh 568 00:22:24,089 --> 00:22:26,910 continues to be our priority theater . 569 00:22:27,150 --> 00:22:30,729 Uh And uh that is uh indicated indic 570 00:22:30,839 --> 00:22:33,061 indicative of the number of forces that 571 00:22:33,061 --> 00:22:35,790 we have uh that are located within the 572 00:22:35,800 --> 00:22:38,510 region . Uh And so again , we're going 573 00:22:38,520 --> 00:22:40,819 to move uh forces where we need them 574 00:22:40,829 --> 00:22:43,160 when we need them . But I can tell you 575 00:22:43,170 --> 00:22:45,337 and uh you know , be rest assured that 576 00:22:45,337 --> 00:22:47,448 the Indo Pacific uh has a significant 577 00:22:47,448 --> 00:22:49,392 number of us forces to support our 578 00:22:49,392 --> 00:22:51,699 commitments uh toward that end . Thank 579 00:22:51,709 --> 00:22:54,359 you . Let me go to uh heather us and I 580 00:22:55,099 --> 00:22:57,266 a similar question but um focus on the 581 00:22:57,270 --> 00:22:59,381 Middle East with the fact that the tr 582 00:22:59,381 --> 00:23:01,326 is going to take at least probably 583 00:23:01,326 --> 00:23:03,437 around two weeks to get to the Middle 584 00:23:03,437 --> 00:23:05,381 East . Does the United States feel 585 00:23:05,381 --> 00:23:07,548 confident with the amount of resources 586 00:23:07,548 --> 00:23:09,603 that they have in the Middle East if 587 00:23:09,603 --> 00:23:11,714 Iran were to attack uh before tr gets 588 00:23:11,714 --> 00:23:13,849 there . Uh Do you mean the Abraham 589 00:23:15,040 --> 00:23:17,609 Abraham ? I mean , again , we already 590 00:23:17,619 --> 00:23:19,619 maintain a significant amount of uh 591 00:23:19,619 --> 00:23:22,109 capabilities uh within the US , central 592 00:23:22,119 --> 00:23:24,420 command and European command regions . 593 00:23:24,689 --> 00:23:27,170 Uh And so uh these additive 594 00:23:27,180 --> 00:23:30,150 capabilities will just uh make that 595 00:23:30,160 --> 00:23:32,790 more robust . Ok . Let me come back to 596 00:23:32,800 --> 00:23:35,849 the room or what ? Why isn't the US S 597 00:23:35,859 --> 00:23:38,026 Georgia in Centcom yet ? It was in the 598 00:23:38,026 --> 00:23:40,248 med . So it's certainly within range to 599 00:23:40,248 --> 00:23:42,359 have gotten a Centcom . I'm not gonna 600 00:23:42,359 --> 00:23:44,303 get into the specifics of , of its 601 00:23:44,303 --> 00:23:46,470 location . Uh and timelines again , it 602 00:23:46,470 --> 00:23:48,692 has been ordered to the central command 603 00:23:48,692 --> 00:23:51,770 area of responsibility , sir . 604 00:23:52,810 --> 00:23:55,032 Thank you so much . Uh General , I have 605 00:23:55,032 --> 00:23:57,369 a question on Afghanistan in two days 606 00:23:57,380 --> 00:23:59,491 from now . It's going to be the third 607 00:23:59,491 --> 00:24:01,369 anniversary of the US , complete 608 00:24:01,380 --> 00:24:03,510 withdrawal from Afghanistan and the 609 00:24:03,520 --> 00:24:06,030 fall of a previous government general . 610 00:24:06,040 --> 00:24:08,489 What is the assessment of Pentagon 611 00:24:08,500 --> 00:24:11,280 after three years over Afghanistan is 612 00:24:11,290 --> 00:24:14,609 the Isis K and also the Taliban or some 613 00:24:14,619 --> 00:24:16,841 faction of the Taliban , like a , these 614 00:24:16,841 --> 00:24:20,130 are a threat to the national security 615 00:24:20,140 --> 00:24:23,579 of the United States or not . 616 00:24:24,469 --> 00:24:26,699 Um , so just to make sure I clarify , 617 00:24:26,709 --> 00:24:28,969 uh you're asking about the terrorist 618 00:24:28,979 --> 00:24:31,729 threat emanating from Afghanistan . Uh 619 00:24:31,739 --> 00:24:33,819 Well , you know , it's definitely 620 00:24:33,829 --> 00:24:36,051 something that we continue to , to keep 621 00:24:36,051 --> 00:24:38,650 a close eye on that you have uh various 622 00:24:38,660 --> 00:24:40,890 terrorist groups which operate in and 623 00:24:40,900 --> 00:24:43,810 around Afghanistan to include Isis K . 624 00:24:44,219 --> 00:24:46,339 Um And so we maintain a variety of 625 00:24:46,349 --> 00:24:48,182 capabilities to include over the 626 00:24:48,182 --> 00:24:50,209 horizon uh capabilities . Should we 627 00:24:50,219 --> 00:24:53,540 need to do that ? Um But I think most 628 00:24:53,550 --> 00:24:55,661 importantly is we'll continue to work 629 00:24:55,661 --> 00:24:57,883 with our partners in the region when it 630 00:24:57,883 --> 00:24:59,994 comes to addressing terrorism through 631 00:24:59,994 --> 00:25:02,161 our mutual counter terrorism efforts . 632 00:25:03,630 --> 00:25:06,290 So the Israeli officials said that they 633 00:25:06,300 --> 00:25:09,550 will attack inside Iran if Iran 634 00:25:09,810 --> 00:25:13,640 does any retaliate 635 00:25:13,650 --> 00:25:17,439 any form and way . So does the United 636 00:25:17,449 --> 00:25:20,109 States support that , that the Israeli 637 00:25:20,150 --> 00:25:23,449 will attack inside Iran if Iran does 638 00:25:23,459 --> 00:25:25,626 anything ? Well , look again , I don't 639 00:25:25,626 --> 00:25:27,792 want to get into hypotheticals at this 640 00:25:27,792 --> 00:25:29,681 stage right now . Our focus is on 641 00:25:29,681 --> 00:25:31,792 deescalating tensions in the region , 642 00:25:31,792 --> 00:25:35,300 so there hasn't been a 643 00:25:35,310 --> 00:25:37,760 conflict yet . So we'll stay after it . 644 00:25:38,089 --> 00:25:40,760 All right , sir , sir . Uh The co the 645 00:25:40,780 --> 00:25:42,613 counterterrorism chief of United 646 00:25:42,613 --> 00:25:45,880 Nations , uh said that Europe is facing 647 00:25:45,890 --> 00:25:48,579 a big threat from I SI sk . He also 648 00:25:48,589 --> 00:25:50,478 mentioned that the same group was 649 00:25:50,478 --> 00:25:52,770 involved in terrorizing the Taylor 650 00:25:52,790 --> 00:25:54,846 Swift concerts in Vienna last week . 651 00:25:55,300 --> 00:25:57,189 All these terrorists are based in 652 00:25:57,189 --> 00:25:59,300 Afghanistan . Is it a concern because 653 00:25:59,300 --> 00:26:01,411 they are also involved in the attacks 654 00:26:01,411 --> 00:26:03,411 on Pakistani security forces ? What 655 00:26:03,411 --> 00:26:05,411 kind of measures are being taken to 656 00:26:05,411 --> 00:26:07,467 prevent the expansion of this terror 657 00:26:07,467 --> 00:26:09,356 group ? Yeah . Well , I mean , as 658 00:26:09,356 --> 00:26:11,411 evidenced by the global coalition to 659 00:26:11,411 --> 00:26:14,030 defeat ISIS , it does remain a threat 660 00:26:14,339 --> 00:26:16,630 and you've seen the United States work 661 00:26:16,640 --> 00:26:18,800 very closely with many nations around 662 00:26:18,810 --> 00:26:21,270 the world to address ISIS whether it's 663 00:26:21,680 --> 00:26:25,180 uh in Europe , Asia . Uh and also 664 00:26:25,189 --> 00:26:27,739 as you know , you've seen in uh Iraq 665 00:26:27,750 --> 00:26:30,060 and Syria and there's also 666 00:26:30,069 --> 00:26:32,599 manifestations of ISIS in , in the 667 00:26:32,609 --> 00:26:35,060 African continent . So we'll continue 668 00:26:35,069 --> 00:26:37,125 to work with our partners and allies 669 00:26:37,125 --> 00:26:39,180 around the world to address the ISIS 670 00:26:39,180 --> 00:26:41,069 threat . Wherever we see it , the 671 00:26:41,069 --> 00:26:43,125 security forces arrested a senior Al 672 00:26:43,125 --> 00:26:45,130 Qaeda leader recently moved from 673 00:26:45,219 --> 00:26:47,219 Afghanistan to Pakistan . Pakistani 674 00:26:47,219 --> 00:26:49,560 investigators claim that this terrorist 675 00:26:49,569 --> 00:26:52,010 was a close associate of its founder , 676 00:26:52,300 --> 00:26:54,300 Bin Laden . Is it a concern that Al 677 00:26:54,300 --> 00:26:56,189 Qaeda is also gaining strength in 678 00:26:56,189 --> 00:26:58,356 Afghanistan ? Uh Al Qaeda , you know , 679 00:26:58,356 --> 00:27:00,089 as you know , has been greatly 680 00:27:00,099 --> 00:27:02,155 diminished over the years but is not 681 00:27:02,155 --> 00:27:04,589 gone . Uh And so again , similarly to 682 00:27:04,599 --> 00:27:06,680 ISIS K and , and other groups that 683 00:27:06,689 --> 00:27:08,959 present a potential security threat to 684 00:27:08,969 --> 00:27:11,025 the United States and our allies and 685 00:27:11,025 --> 00:27:13,025 partners will continue to stay very 686 00:27:13,025 --> 00:27:15,191 focused on addressing that threat . We 687 00:27:15,191 --> 00:27:17,247 take just another one from the phone 688 00:27:17,247 --> 00:27:20,469 here , Jared from Al Monitor . Hi Pat . 689 00:27:20,479 --> 00:27:23,010 Um , it seems , uh , Iran and Hezbollah 690 00:27:23,020 --> 00:27:25,187 if they are going to , uh , you know , 691 00:27:25,187 --> 00:27:27,020 to stage a retaliation that they 692 00:27:27,020 --> 00:27:29,076 obviously haven't done so yet . Um , 693 00:27:29,076 --> 00:27:31,187 wondering if , uh , you can attribute 694 00:27:31,187 --> 00:27:33,242 that to anything . I mean , does the 695 00:27:33,242 --> 00:27:35,353 department have any reason to believe 696 00:27:35,353 --> 00:27:35,310 that this is a part of their uh 697 00:27:35,319 --> 00:27:37,550 retaliation or that , you know , the uh 698 00:27:37,560 --> 00:27:39,869 plus ups of , of assets , us assets in 699 00:27:39,880 --> 00:27:41,991 the region may be causing some second 700 00:27:41,991 --> 00:27:44,324 thoughts there ? Thanks . Yeah , thanks , 701 00:27:44,324 --> 00:27:46,158 Jared . I mean , that's really a 702 00:27:46,158 --> 00:27:48,269 question uh for Iran to answer . Uh I 703 00:27:48,269 --> 00:27:50,324 can tell you again what our focus is 704 00:27:50,324 --> 00:27:52,158 and on what we're doing and it's 705 00:27:52,158 --> 00:27:54,109 working very hard uh with our uh 706 00:27:54,119 --> 00:27:56,959 partners in the interagency uh and our 707 00:27:56,969 --> 00:27:59,025 regional partners to deescalated the 708 00:27:59,025 --> 00:28:01,430 situation uh and deter potential 709 00:28:01,439 --> 00:28:04,209 aggression . Ok . Take a couple more . 710 00:28:04,609 --> 00:28:08,500 Let me get to lo thank you . Um 711 00:28:09,089 --> 00:28:10,922 Last from the past here , J Lo's 712 00:28:10,922 --> 00:28:14,500 question . Um There was some aid 713 00:28:14,510 --> 00:28:18,119 that was awaiting transport um into the 714 00:28:18,130 --> 00:28:21,119 Gaza area before the JL mission ended . 715 00:28:21,520 --> 00:28:25,020 Um has , well , maybe I'm premature in 716 00:28:25,030 --> 00:28:27,530 saying it's ended . Um has that aid 717 00:28:27,540 --> 00:28:30,300 been delivered ? And what is the status 718 00:28:30,310 --> 00:28:32,670 of the coordinations cell uh if that is 719 00:28:32,680 --> 00:28:35,489 the case . So , uh what I'm tracking lu 720 00:28:35,500 --> 00:28:38,410 right now is that uh the motor vessel 721 00:28:38,420 --> 00:28:41,930 cape Trinity has uh approximately 6 722 00:28:41,939 --> 00:28:44,069 million pounds of aid on it currently 723 00:28:44,079 --> 00:28:46,310 in Cyprus awaiting movement to Ashdod . 724 00:28:46,770 --> 00:28:49,760 Uh And um so that , you know , as we've 725 00:28:49,770 --> 00:28:52,010 said before , that those uh that vessel 726 00:28:52,020 --> 00:28:53,742 or some of those vessels would 727 00:28:53,742 --> 00:28:55,909 participate in helping to deliver some 728 00:28:55,909 --> 00:28:58,380 of the final aid from Cyprus into uh 729 00:28:58,390 --> 00:29:01,969 into Israel en route to Gaza . Um 730 00:29:03,410 --> 00:29:05,400 Yeah , so , so does that mean that 731 00:29:05,410 --> 00:29:07,632 there is more aid still in Cyprus or is 732 00:29:07,632 --> 00:29:09,630 this , is it , this is the my 733 00:29:09,640 --> 00:29:11,529 understanding is that it now , of 734 00:29:11,529 --> 00:29:13,584 course , uh I I would commend you to 735 00:29:13,584 --> 00:29:15,418 talk to USA ID about the broader 736 00:29:15,418 --> 00:29:17,584 humanitarian aid deliveries . But as I 737 00:29:17,584 --> 00:29:19,473 understand it , um that's the the 738 00:29:19,473 --> 00:29:21,529 remainder of the aid . And then what 739 00:29:21,529 --> 00:29:23,640 happens now with the US Coordinations 740 00:29:23,640 --> 00:29:25,973 Cell under General Frank that was there ? 741 00:29:25,973 --> 00:29:27,973 Um Does it still remain active ? Um 742 00:29:27,973 --> 00:29:31,599 Will it continue to enable a more a 743 00:29:31,699 --> 00:29:33,810 different kind of maritime corridor ? 744 00:29:33,810 --> 00:29:36,032 Yeah . So , so my understanding is that 745 00:29:36,032 --> 00:29:39,280 uh Centcom will continue to support uh 746 00:29:39,290 --> 00:29:41,949 in an advisory capacity , some of the 747 00:29:41,959 --> 00:29:44,126 the best practices that were developed 748 00:29:44,680 --> 00:29:47,939 during the , the J Lots uh operation to 749 00:29:47,949 --> 00:29:50,469 include the convoy management board as 750 00:29:50,479 --> 00:29:53,530 a way to help ensure that uh things are , 751 00:29:53,540 --> 00:29:55,949 are being moved . But certainly from a 752 00:29:55,959 --> 00:29:58,739 from a dod us military standpoint . I 753 00:29:58,750 --> 00:30:00,972 mean , you know , the the vast majority 754 00:30:00,972 --> 00:30:03,530 of that has now uh relocated or is in 755 00:30:03,540 --> 00:30:05,873 the process of relocating to the States . 756 00:30:05,873 --> 00:30:07,873 Uh Because of course , Jay Lots has 757 00:30:07,873 --> 00:30:10,839 stood down . Ok , thanks . Let me try 758 00:30:10,849 --> 00:30:13,016 to get to a couple of other folks here 759 00:30:13,016 --> 00:30:15,449 that haven't got to Jim General . Just 760 00:30:15,459 --> 00:30:18,630 a quick question on Ukraine . Can you 761 00:30:18,640 --> 00:30:20,699 give a lay down on , on what the US 762 00:30:20,709 --> 00:30:23,349 thinking is on the offensive that the 763 00:30:23,359 --> 00:30:25,569 Ukrainians have launched ? And , uh , 764 00:30:25,579 --> 00:30:28,020 do you think that's , is that , is that 765 00:30:28,030 --> 00:30:31,270 meant to be a permanent sort 766 00:30:31,280 --> 00:30:34,699 of , uh , operation or is that a 767 00:30:34,709 --> 00:30:38,439 raid ? Yeah , Jim . So on that , I mean , 768 00:30:38,449 --> 00:30:40,227 that's really something for the 769 00:30:40,227 --> 00:30:42,338 Ukrainians to talk to . I'd refer you 770 00:30:42,338 --> 00:30:44,616 to them to talk about their operations . 771 00:30:44,616 --> 00:30:46,727 You know , we are , we are in contact 772 00:30:46,727 --> 00:30:48,949 with our Ukrainian counterparts uh to , 773 00:30:48,949 --> 00:30:51,060 to get additional details in terms of 774 00:30:51,060 --> 00:30:53,979 their uh objectives as it relates to , 775 00:30:54,130 --> 00:30:56,599 to their uh operation . But I don't 776 00:30:56,609 --> 00:30:58,880 have anything beyond that . Thanks , 777 00:30:59,310 --> 00:31:01,989 sir . Thank you . So , uh 778 00:31:03,300 --> 00:31:07,079 and as I uh as you know , the base 779 00:31:07,089 --> 00:31:09,089 has been targeted multiple times by 780 00:31:09,089 --> 00:31:11,959 Iranian Proses uh since last year and 781 00:31:12,000 --> 00:31:15,469 resulted in uh like damages and harm to 782 00:31:15,479 --> 00:31:19,229 us personnel . So does the base have 783 00:31:19,630 --> 00:31:22,189 sophisticated a system and capabilities 784 00:31:22,479 --> 00:31:24,829 to intercept the missiles and drones ? 785 00:31:25,760 --> 00:31:27,871 So as I'm sure you can appreciate , I 786 00:31:27,871 --> 00:31:30,038 won't go into the specifics of exactly 787 00:31:30,038 --> 00:31:32,371 what we have in terms of air defense or , 788 00:31:32,371 --> 00:31:34,979 or uh facility defense capabilities . 789 00:31:35,229 --> 00:31:37,140 Uh Other than to say that that's 790 00:31:37,150 --> 00:31:39,317 something we take incredibly seriously 791 00:31:39,349 --> 00:31:42,000 uh and are constantly assessing those 792 00:31:42,010 --> 00:31:44,066 capabilities and ensuring that we're 793 00:31:44,066 --> 00:31:46,232 doing everything we can to protect our 794 00:31:46,232 --> 00:31:48,449 forces . That's not to say though . Uh 795 00:31:48,459 --> 00:31:51,020 and , and history has shown this , that 796 00:31:51,030 --> 00:31:53,530 our forces often operate in harm's way 797 00:31:53,540 --> 00:31:56,689 and do in dangerous places . Uh And , 798 00:31:56,699 --> 00:31:58,810 and that's why they are trained . 799 00:31:58,819 --> 00:32:01,579 That's why we ask them to serve in 800 00:32:01,589 --> 00:32:05,050 uniform and as evidenced by their 801 00:32:05,060 --> 00:32:07,280 performance , they do brilliant and 802 00:32:07,290 --> 00:32:09,234 important work every single day in 803 00:32:09,234 --> 00:32:11,650 defense of our nation . So we're going 804 00:32:11,660 --> 00:32:14,089 to do everything we can to ensure that 805 00:32:14,099 --> 00:32:16,099 they have the best when it comes to 806 00:32:16,099 --> 00:32:19,719 force protection , diplomatic efforts 807 00:32:19,890 --> 00:32:23,609 to stop Iran from launching strikes . 808 00:32:23,619 --> 00:32:26,430 Had a result . I mean , did you receive 809 00:32:26,439 --> 00:32:29,790 any methods for me ? Run ? Yeah , I 810 00:32:29,800 --> 00:32:32,078 don't have anything to provide on that . 811 00:32:33,300 --> 00:32:35,599 The question he had , you said the 812 00:32:35,609 --> 00:32:37,910 secretary takes every possible step . 813 00:32:37,920 --> 00:32:40,219 He will take every possible secretary 814 00:32:40,229 --> 00:32:42,451 Austin will take every possible step to 815 00:32:42,451 --> 00:32:44,430 defend Israel . Does that include 816 00:32:44,640 --> 00:32:47,189 taking offensive strikes against Iran ? 817 00:32:47,650 --> 00:32:49,849 Look again , we are focused on 818 00:32:49,859 --> 00:32:51,880 supporting the defense of Israel 819 00:32:52,030 --> 00:32:53,869 deescalating the situation and 820 00:32:53,880 --> 00:32:56,239 preventing a broader conflict . I'm not 821 00:32:56,250 --> 00:32:59,310 gonna get into hypotheticals . I , I'm 822 00:32:59,319 --> 00:33:02,739 not gonna get into hypotheticals . Rule 823 00:33:02,760 --> 00:33:05,579 it out taking strikes against Iran . 824 00:33:05,959 --> 00:33:08,390 You're saying the US taking pre emptive 825 00:33:08,400 --> 00:33:12,260 strikes if Israel was attacked in a 826 00:33:12,270 --> 00:33:14,103 major . So you're getting in the 827 00:33:14,103 --> 00:33:16,159 hypotheticals you started it with if 828 00:33:16,159 --> 00:33:17,770 and I'm gonna not get in the 829 00:33:17,770 --> 00:33:21,660 hypotheticals . So , thanks , I , I 830 00:33:21,670 --> 00:33:23,948 think we're being pretty clear , Lucas , 831 00:33:24,270 --> 00:33:27,910 we're sending significant , I'm being 832 00:33:27,920 --> 00:33:31,430 very clear to Lucas and Iran that we 833 00:33:31,439 --> 00:33:33,661 are sending significant capabilities in 834 00:33:33,661 --> 00:33:35,719 the region to protect our forces and 835 00:33:35,729 --> 00:33:37,618 support the defense of Israel and 836 00:33:37,618 --> 00:33:39,229 respond to a wide variety of 837 00:33:39,229 --> 00:33:41,173 contingencies . If you look at the 838 00:33:41,173 --> 00:33:43,099 strategic goal here , it's to de 839 00:33:43,160 --> 00:33:45,216 escalate the situation and prevent a 840 00:33:45,216 --> 00:33:47,569 wider regional war and that requires 841 00:33:47,579 --> 00:33:49,939 diplomacy . It requires military force 842 00:33:49,949 --> 00:33:52,810 presence and it requires being smart 843 00:33:52,819 --> 00:33:54,763 about how we go about doing this . 844 00:33:54,763 --> 00:33:56,875 We're not seeking conflict , we don't 845 00:33:56,875 --> 00:33:58,986 want conflict , but we're going to do 846 00:33:58,986 --> 00:34:00,875 what we need to do to support the 847 00:34:00,875 --> 00:34:02,763 defense of Israel and support the 848 00:34:02,763 --> 00:34:04,989 protection of our forces . But again , 849 00:34:05,310 --> 00:34:07,366 the underlying message here is we're 850 00:34:07,369 --> 00:34:09,989 working to de escalate tensions . No 851 00:34:10,000 --> 00:34:13,459 one wants a wider war on 852 00:34:13,469 --> 00:34:15,590 Ukraine . Can you say if Russia has 853 00:34:15,840 --> 00:34:18,010 redeployed troops from the front lines 854 00:34:18,020 --> 00:34:19,949 of eastern Ukraine to defend its 855 00:34:19,959 --> 00:34:22,429 borders in Kirk ? And if so , is it a 856 00:34:22,439 --> 00:34:24,709 significant number of troops ? Yeah , I 857 00:34:24,719 --> 00:34:26,552 don't , I don't have anything to 858 00:34:26,552 --> 00:34:28,886 provide on that uh from the podium here , 859 00:34:28,886 --> 00:34:31,108 Brad , you know , again , I'd refer you 860 00:34:31,108 --> 00:34:33,108 to the Russian mod . It's something 861 00:34:33,108 --> 00:34:35,441 that we're keeping an eye on , you know , 862 00:34:35,441 --> 00:34:37,663 our focus at the end of the day when it 863 00:34:37,663 --> 00:34:39,830 comes to Ukraine is supporting Ukraine 864 00:34:39,830 --> 00:34:42,052 and its ability to defend its sovereign 865 00:34:42,052 --> 00:34:44,108 territory and to take back sovereign 866 00:34:44,108 --> 00:34:47,199 territory within Ukraine ? Thanks time 867 00:34:47,209 --> 00:34:49,376 for just a couple more ago , Charlie , 868 00:34:49,376 --> 00:34:51,598 and then I'll come to you . Yes , sir . 869 00:34:51,598 --> 00:34:51,290 Thank you . General , changing the 870 00:34:51,300 --> 00:34:53,750 topic entirely . We're following the 871 00:34:53,760 --> 00:34:55,760 story about this defense department 872 00:34:55,760 --> 00:34:58,929 contractor who was arrested with a ton 873 00:34:58,939 --> 00:35:00,939 of classified documents stolen from 874 00:35:00,939 --> 00:35:03,161 this building . Can you shed some light 875 00:35:03,161 --> 00:35:06,350 on that , seen the the press reports on 876 00:35:06,360 --> 00:35:08,471 that ? But I need to refer you to the 877 00:35:08,471 --> 00:35:10,693 Department of Justice for any questions 878 00:35:10,693 --> 00:35:12,860 on that . How serious this breach is ? 879 00:35:12,860 --> 00:35:14,804 Yeah , II I really just don't have 880 00:35:14,804 --> 00:35:16,804 anything to provide from here . I'd 881 00:35:16,804 --> 00:35:18,860 have to refer you to DOJ . OK , last 882 00:35:18,860 --> 00:35:20,916 question . Yes , sir . You mentioned 883 00:35:20,916 --> 00:35:23,149 several times your message that you are 884 00:35:23,159 --> 00:35:25,739 looking to the tensions in the region . 885 00:35:26,239 --> 00:35:28,620 So my question , what we are seeing 886 00:35:28,629 --> 00:35:30,518 right now with the military is uh 887 00:35:30,518 --> 00:35:33,989 increasing and several parties . Do you 888 00:35:34,000 --> 00:35:36,340 believe that diplomatic solution is 889 00:35:36,350 --> 00:35:40,139 still possible ? Um And um 890 00:35:40,149 --> 00:35:42,530 do you think that the parties were 891 00:35:42,540 --> 00:35:44,596 listening and what's your message to 892 00:35:44,596 --> 00:35:47,629 them ? You know , look , um 893 00:35:50,250 --> 00:35:53,899 there is always time for 894 00:35:53,909 --> 00:35:57,459 diplomacy to work and that will 895 00:35:57,469 --> 00:36:00,179 continue to be the main effort . Uh 896 00:36:00,189 --> 00:36:01,967 Certainly for the United States 897 00:36:01,967 --> 00:36:05,360 government in terms of working to de 898 00:36:05,419 --> 00:36:07,600 escalate the situation , implement a 899 00:36:07,610 --> 00:36:10,360 cease fire and get the hostages home . 900 00:36:11,439 --> 00:36:15,020 So as long as there's hope and there is 901 00:36:15,080 --> 00:36:17,669 we'll continue to stay focused toward 902 00:36:17,679 --> 00:36:20,350 that end . Um And then I'm sorry , your 903 00:36:20,360 --> 00:36:22,416 second question . My second question 904 00:36:22,416 --> 00:36:25,479 going to be another topic with mine . 905 00:36:26,370 --> 00:36:28,592 There is some reports claiming that the 906 00:36:28,592 --> 00:36:31,719 weapon that being used to attack T in 907 00:36:31,729 --> 00:36:34,469 school in recently was a 908 00:36:34,479 --> 00:36:38,239 UU made bomb . Do confirm 909 00:36:38,250 --> 00:36:41,560 that general . And do you believe that 910 00:36:42,030 --> 00:36:45,360 is still using the U weapons according 911 00:36:45,370 --> 00:36:48,449 to us and international law . Yeah , 912 00:36:48,459 --> 00:36:50,889 when it , when it comes to , uh Israeli 913 00:36:50,899 --> 00:36:53,010 employment of munitions , I'd have to 914 00:36:53,010 --> 00:36:55,066 refer to them . I , I don't have any 915 00:36:55,066 --> 00:36:57,177 information to provide uh in terms of 916 00:36:57,177 --> 00:36:59,399 civilian casualties as I highlighted at 917 00:36:59,399 --> 00:37:01,510 the top . Uh , this is something that 918 00:37:01,510 --> 00:37:03,566 we continue to take very seriously . 919 00:37:03,566 --> 00:37:05,621 It's something that Secretary Austin 920 00:37:05,621 --> 00:37:07,389 has discussed with his Israeli 921 00:37:07,399 --> 00:37:10,370 counterpart every single time they talk , 922 00:37:11,300 --> 00:37:13,467 uh highlighting the importance and the 923 00:37:13,467 --> 00:37:15,729 more imperative uh and the strategic 924 00:37:15,739 --> 00:37:18,520 imperative of ensuring that civilian 925 00:37:18,530 --> 00:37:20,639 safety and harm mitigation is taken 926 00:37:20,649 --> 00:37:23,300 into account in conducting operations . 927 00:37:23,310 --> 00:37:25,270 The bottom line is way too many 928 00:37:25,280 --> 00:37:27,520 civilians have died during this 929 00:37:27,530 --> 00:37:30,280 conflict , both Palestinian and 930 00:37:30,290 --> 00:37:32,739 Israelis . And so it's , it's 931 00:37:32,860 --> 00:37:35,139 incredibly important that Israel 932 00:37:35,149 --> 00:37:37,371 continue to conduct its operations in a 933 00:37:37,371 --> 00:37:39,482 way , um plan its operations in a way 934 00:37:39,482 --> 00:37:41,939 that is taking civilian uh safety into 935 00:37:41,949 --> 00:37:44,850 account . That's not to say though uh 936 00:37:44,860 --> 00:37:47,449 that Hamas doesn't bear responsibility 937 00:37:47,459 --> 00:37:49,292 as well . And the fact that they 938 00:37:49,292 --> 00:37:51,520 conduct their operations uh and embed 939 00:37:51,530 --> 00:37:53,419 their forces amongst the civilian 940 00:37:53,419 --> 00:37:55,419 population in places like schools , 941 00:37:55,419 --> 00:37:57,350 mosques , hospitals , making it 942 00:37:57,360 --> 00:37:59,790 incredibly difficult uh for Israel to 943 00:37:59,800 --> 00:38:02,310 conduct its operations in these areas . 944 00:38:02,320 --> 00:38:04,542 So I'll leave it there . Thank you very 945 00:38:04,542 --> 00:38:07,780 much on the question that 6 946 00:38:07,790 --> 00:38:09,989 million pounds , that's on the , I 947 00:38:10,000 --> 00:38:12,500 think Cape Trinity , is that part of 948 00:38:12,510 --> 00:38:15,639 that 20 million tons that you all keep 949 00:38:15,649 --> 00:38:17,816 talking about ? Or is that in addition 950 00:38:17,816 --> 00:38:21,139 to it ? I believe that the aid that was 951 00:38:21,149 --> 00:38:23,371 delivered previously , this would be in 952 00:38:23,371 --> 00:38:26,219 addition to this , in addition to that . 953 00:38:26,429 --> 00:38:28,485 Ok . Correct . Correct . All right . 954 00:38:28,485 --> 00:38:29,179 Thank you very much , everybody .