WEBVTT 00:00.709 --> 00:03.690 OK , good afternoon . 00:04.570 --> 00:07.409 All right . Um So just a few things at 00:07.420 --> 00:09.420 the top and then happy to take your 00:09.420 --> 00:11.689 questions on Sunday . Us Central 00:11.699 --> 00:13.880 Command and Syrian Democratic forces 00:13.890 --> 00:16.159 conducted a partnered raid in Syria . 00:16.600 --> 00:18.767 The operation resulted in the death of 00:18.767 --> 00:21.000 four ISIS operatives who were targeted 00:21.010 --> 00:23.600 to disrupt and degrade Isis's ability 00:23.610 --> 00:26.610 to plan organize and conduct attacks 00:26.620 --> 00:28.829 against civilians as well as us 00:28.840 --> 00:31.062 citizens allies and partners throughout 00:31.062 --> 00:33.919 the region and beyond us , Centcom will 00:33.930 --> 00:36.041 continue to work with our partners to 00:36.041 --> 00:38.208 aggressively pursue ISIS which remains 00:38.208 --> 00:40.430 a threat to the region , our allies and 00:40.430 --> 00:42.220 our homeland . Shifting gears . 00:42.229 --> 00:44.340 Yesterday , Secretary Austin spoke by 00:44.340 --> 00:46.396 phone with his Israeli counterpart , 00:46.396 --> 00:48.396 Minister of Defense Galan to review 00:48.396 --> 00:50.340 regional security developments and 00:50.340 --> 00:52.340 reiterate unwavering us support for 00:52.340 --> 00:54.950 Israel in the face of threats from Iran 00:55.099 --> 00:57.099 Lebanese Hezbollah and Iran's other 00:57.110 --> 00:59.479 regional partners . The secretary 00:59.490 --> 01:01.268 emphasized the US commitment to 01:01.268 --> 01:02.990 deterring regional adversaries 01:03.189 --> 01:05.669 deescalating tensions across the region 01:05.839 --> 01:08.061 and reaffirmed the priority of reaching 01:08.061 --> 01:10.172 a ceasefire deal that will bring home 01:10.172 --> 01:12.620 hostages held by Hamas and an enduring 01:12.629 --> 01:14.740 diplomatic resolution to the conflict 01:14.740 --> 01:16.907 on the Israel Lebanon border that will 01:16.907 --> 01:19.129 allow civilians on both sides to return 01:19.129 --> 01:22.180 home , return to their homes . And 01:22.190 --> 01:24.357 looking to tomorrow , Deputy Secretary 01:24.357 --> 01:26.468 of Defense Kathleen Hicks will travel 01:26.468 --> 01:28.690 to Baltimore for the naming ceremony of 01:28.690 --> 01:31.739 SSN 812 , a Virginia class nuclear 01:31.750 --> 01:34.419 powered attack submarine . Secretary of 01:34.430 --> 01:36.208 the Navy , Carlos Del Toro will 01:36.208 --> 01:37.986 announce the name of the future 01:37.986 --> 01:40.152 submarine . During that ceremony , the 01:40.152 --> 01:42.097 deputy secretary will serve as the 01:42.097 --> 01:44.263 ship's sponsor representing a lifelong 01:44.263 --> 01:46.597 relationship with the ship and the crew . 01:46.597 --> 01:48.819 The announcement will take place aboard 01:48.819 --> 01:50.930 the US S constellation in Baltimore's 01:50.930 --> 01:53.152 inner harbor in support of the national 01:53.152 --> 01:55.041 defense strategy . The department 01:55.041 --> 01:57.041 remains committed to investing in a 01:57.041 --> 01:59.097 ready modern and capable naval force 01:59.097 --> 02:00.930 and continues to make strides in 02:00.930 --> 02:02.986 bolstering our submarine capacity to 02:02.986 --> 02:04.986 meet global threats . And finally , 02:04.989 --> 02:07.550 also tomorrow at 10 a.m. Secretary 02:07.559 --> 02:09.770 Austin and Chairman Brown will host a 02:09.779 --> 02:13.559 ceremony Commemorating National Powmi a 02:13.570 --> 02:15.580 recognition day in honor of those 02:15.589 --> 02:17.811 Americans who were prisoners of war and 02:17.811 --> 02:19.811 those who served and never returned 02:19.811 --> 02:22.240 home . The ceremony will take place on 02:22.250 --> 02:24.539 the Pentagon River terrace parade field 02:24.550 --> 02:26.606 with remarks by Secretary Austin and 02:26.606 --> 02:30.080 General Brown and a flyover of uh 60 02:30.089 --> 02:32.380 black hawk helicopters flown by the 02:32.389 --> 02:34.889 Army's 12th Aviation Battalion from 02:34.899 --> 02:37.360 Fort Belvoir in missing man formation . 02:38.149 --> 02:40.371 The ceremony will also be live streamed 02:40.371 --> 02:42.482 on defense.gov and with that , I'd be 02:42.482 --> 02:44.593 happy to take your questions . Lita , 02:44.593 --> 02:47.690 thanks Rena . Um two things . One has 02:47.699 --> 02:51.380 the Pentagon ordered any changes or 02:51.389 --> 02:54.199 shifts with ships in the Mediterranean 02:54.210 --> 02:57.850 Sea to better prepare for any potential 02:57.860 --> 02:59.693 neo and has the State Department 02:59.693 --> 03:02.089 requested any help for a Neo and then 03:02.100 --> 03:06.100 just secondarily , um how concerned 03:06.110 --> 03:09.020 is the secretary that the recent uh 03:09.029 --> 03:12.300 military um attacks by 03:13.250 --> 03:16.360 Israel ? The pagers and the walkie 03:16.369 --> 03:19.639 talkies um will contribute to a 03:19.699 --> 03:23.179 escalation in the region . So , on your 03:23.190 --> 03:25.190 first question on um state and 03:25.199 --> 03:27.421 requesting a Neo , I'm not tracking any 03:27.421 --> 03:29.669 requests for a Neo , as we've said 03:29.679 --> 03:31.623 before . You know , we , we have a 03:31.623 --> 03:33.679 number of plans and we're a planning 03:33.679 --> 03:35.790 organization . Um should we need to , 03:35.839 --> 03:39.699 uh you know , we're always prepared 03:39.710 --> 03:41.988 to , to conduct one if , if we need it , 03:41.988 --> 03:43.766 but I'm not tracking that we've 03:43.766 --> 03:45.599 received a request to do so . Um 03:45.599 --> 03:47.710 Further leading on to that question , 03:47.710 --> 03:49.932 you asked about force posture changes . 03:49.932 --> 03:52.043 I'm not tracking any additional force 03:52.043 --> 03:54.154 posture changes uh in the Eastern Med 03:54.154 --> 03:53.789 or in the central command area of 03:53.800 --> 03:56.220 responsibility . Uh Should that change ? 03:56.229 --> 03:58.396 You know , we , we'll keep you updated 03:58.396 --> 04:00.451 on that . Um In terms of the attacks 04:00.451 --> 04:02.451 that you referenced , uh you know , 04:02.451 --> 04:04.451 first and foremost , the US was not 04:04.451 --> 04:06.562 involved in any way . So I don't have 04:06.562 --> 04:08.580 anything to add on these particular 04:08.589 --> 04:10.700 separate incidences that we've seen . 04:10.750 --> 04:13.910 Um separately , we are always concerned 04:13.919 --> 04:16.000 about escalation . And um that's 04:16.010 --> 04:18.232 something that you've seen us reiterate 04:18.232 --> 04:20.399 uh throughout the readouts that um the 04:20.399 --> 04:22.510 secretary has done with whether it be 04:22.510 --> 04:24.720 Minister Gallant or with other leaders 04:24.730 --> 04:26.709 around the world . We're certainly 04:26.720 --> 04:29.209 concerned about escalation . Um We know 04:29.220 --> 04:31.299 regional tensions are high Um That's 04:31.309 --> 04:34.000 why you've seen such a push from uh 04:34.010 --> 04:35.880 different officials across this 04:35.890 --> 04:38.480 administration to push forward on a 04:38.489 --> 04:40.450 ceasefire deal . Uh We believe 04:40.459 --> 04:43.369 ultimately that the best way to um you 04:43.380 --> 04:45.602 know , less intentions in the region is 04:45.602 --> 04:47.602 through diplomatic means and that's 04:47.602 --> 04:49.824 what the secretary is working towards . 04:49.824 --> 04:51.880 Did the secretary make that point to 04:51.880 --> 04:53.824 Minister Kan ? In , in pretty much 04:53.824 --> 04:55.713 every call . The secretary always 04:55.713 --> 04:58.660 reiterates the need um to see , we want 04:58.670 --> 05:01.700 to see regional tensions quell . Um And 05:01.709 --> 05:03.876 I'm not just talking about in the last 05:03.876 --> 05:06.098 few days , these are calls , you know , 05:06.098 --> 05:08.098 from , from the very beginning . Uh 05:08.098 --> 05:09.987 We've never wanted to see a wider 05:09.987 --> 05:11.876 regional conflict . Um That's why 05:11.876 --> 05:11.470 you've seen a surge , different assets 05:11.480 --> 05:13.424 to the region at different times . 05:13.424 --> 05:15.313 We've had multiple carrier strike 05:15.313 --> 05:17.258 groups in the region . Uh We had a 05:17.258 --> 05:19.091 carrier strike group in , in the 05:19.091 --> 05:21.036 eastern Med . Um We have different 05:21.036 --> 05:22.980 capabilities there now , certainly 05:22.980 --> 05:22.670 something that's , that's on the 05:22.679 --> 05:24.735 secretary's mind . It's on the , the 05:24.735 --> 05:26.735 president's mind and , and on , you 05:26.735 --> 05:28.846 know , this administration is working 05:28.846 --> 05:31.068 night and day to , to ensure that there 05:31.068 --> 05:33.068 is not a wider regional war . Joe , 05:33.068 --> 05:34.869 thanks . How many times has the 05:34.880 --> 05:36.658 secretary spoken to his Israeli 05:36.658 --> 05:39.799 counterpart since Sunday ? Since Sunday . 05:39.809 --> 05:41.730 The secretary spoke with Minister 05:41.790 --> 05:44.170 Gallant on Sunday . He spoke with him 05:45.010 --> 05:47.559 twice on Tuesday and then again 05:47.570 --> 05:50.010 yesterday , which was Wednesday . So he 05:50.019 --> 05:53.970 spoke to him before and after these 05:53.980 --> 05:56.091 attacks were reported in Lebanon over 05:56.091 --> 05:59.950 over two days . Um What , what's his 05:59.959 --> 06:02.070 reaction ? What's his response ? What 06:02.070 --> 06:04.470 did he support ? Was he informed ahead 06:04.480 --> 06:06.591 of time if he was , what was he , you 06:06.591 --> 06:08.813 know , what was he told ? And so what , 06:08.813 --> 06:10.980 what's his reaction to these attacks ? 06:10.980 --> 06:12.924 Um So in terms of , you know , the 06:12.924 --> 06:15.091 attacks that we're seeing in Lebanon , 06:15.091 --> 06:17.091 um we , we were not aware of either 06:17.091 --> 06:19.313 incident of what happened on Tuesday or 06:19.313 --> 06:21.709 on Wednesday . Um We're continuing to 06:21.720 --> 06:23.998 monitor what's happening in the region . 06:23.998 --> 06:26.200 Uh I'm not gonna be able to go beyond 06:26.209 --> 06:28.320 what . Um General Ryder also read out 06:28.320 --> 06:30.265 at the podium from the secretary's 06:30.265 --> 06:32.598 calls . But what I can tell you is that , 06:32.598 --> 06:34.820 um I just don't have more to provide on 06:34.820 --> 06:37.042 these incidences , but to what Lito was 06:37.042 --> 06:39.170 asking on the larger point on , you 06:39.179 --> 06:41.459 know , regional escalation . Um That's 06:41.470 --> 06:43.303 something that , of course we're 06:43.303 --> 06:45.414 worried about we're concerned about . 06:45.414 --> 06:47.637 Um That's why you've seen us move the , 06:47.637 --> 06:49.859 the assets that we have to the region , 06:49.859 --> 06:51.859 um which does send a message . Um I 06:51.859 --> 06:54.026 think to , to anyone that , you know , 06:54.026 --> 06:55.970 would want to attack our forces or 06:55.970 --> 06:57.914 attack Israel that we are there in 06:57.914 --> 06:59.914 their self defense . But we've been 06:59.914 --> 07:02.026 very clear from the beginning , we do 07:02.026 --> 07:03.859 not want to see a wider regional 07:03.859 --> 07:03.190 conflict and that's something that's 07:03.200 --> 07:05.089 certainly on the secretary's mind 07:07.059 --> 07:09.115 previously . You guys have said that 07:09.115 --> 07:10.892 you , you had seen the Iranians 07:10.892 --> 07:12.781 postured to respond to the uh the 07:12.781 --> 07:15.279 assassination of a Hamas official in 07:15.290 --> 07:18.519 Iran months ago . Um Do you , is that 07:18.529 --> 07:20.473 postures , does that , do you guys 07:20.473 --> 07:22.473 still see that posture that they're 07:22.473 --> 07:24.529 ready or thinking about responding ? 07:24.529 --> 07:26.696 Has that increased since , since these 07:26.696 --> 07:28.751 attacks in Lebanon ? Because I think 07:28.751 --> 07:28.510 it's been reported that the Iranian 07:28.519 --> 07:30.690 ambassador was also wounded in these 07:30.700 --> 07:32.867 attacks . To my knowledge , we haven't 07:32.867 --> 07:35.144 seen any change in their force posture . 07:35.420 --> 07:37.587 We'll continue to monitor , you know , 07:37.587 --> 07:39.809 I can only speak for us forces and what 07:39.809 --> 07:41.976 we are capable of doing and how we are 07:41.976 --> 07:44.087 postured . And I'll remind you that , 07:44.119 --> 07:46.286 you know , the capability that we have 07:46.286 --> 07:48.341 in the region is more than we had on 07:48.341 --> 07:50.397 April 13th when Iran did launch that 07:50.397 --> 07:52.850 attack against Israel . So , you know , 07:52.859 --> 07:55.026 we're confident in the ability that we 07:55.026 --> 07:57.026 have there right now to protect our 07:57.026 --> 07:59.081 forces and should we need to come to 07:59.081 --> 08:01.579 the defense of Israel as well ? Yes . 08:01.600 --> 08:04.040 Hi . Thank you , Sabrina . What 08:04.049 --> 08:06.160 happened over the past couple of days 08:06.160 --> 08:08.890 regardless of who the culprit is , it 08:08.899 --> 08:11.066 just doesn't help putting out the fire 08:11.066 --> 08:13.769 in the region and doesn't help the 08:13.779 --> 08:15.612 efforts at all . Right , like it 08:15.612 --> 08:17.946 preventing anything wider in the region . 08:18.700 --> 08:21.450 Is that a question ? I would say that 08:21.970 --> 08:25.720 any attack that is going to 08:26.570 --> 08:28.737 escalate tensions in the region is not 08:28.737 --> 08:32.000 going to be helpful to deescalating any 08:32.010 --> 08:34.559 tensions or to , you know , we , we 08:34.570 --> 08:36.681 ultimately , what we want to see is a 08:36.681 --> 08:38.681 ceasefire deal uh come through , we 08:38.681 --> 08:40.737 want to see hostages come home uh we 08:40.737 --> 08:42.959 want to see , you know , the war that's 08:42.959 --> 08:45.126 happening in Gaza come to a close . Um 08:45.126 --> 08:47.181 And that's why you're seeing so many 08:47.181 --> 08:49.237 efforts from different parts of this 08:49.237 --> 08:51.403 administration continuing to engage in 08:51.403 --> 08:53.514 the region and trying to , you know , 08:53.514 --> 08:55.737 get a ceasefire deal in place and , and 08:55.737 --> 08:57.792 we , we keep getting close and , you 08:57.792 --> 08:59.792 know , I , I would refer you to the 08:59.792 --> 08:59.179 State Department and others to kind of 08:59.190 --> 09:01.599 speak more to that framework . Um But 09:01.609 --> 09:03.720 that's what we ultimately want to see 09:03.720 --> 09:05.720 in place . We , you know , anything 09:05.720 --> 09:07.887 that adds to uh raising those regional 09:07.887 --> 09:10.053 tensions , of course , is not going to 09:10.053 --> 09:12.109 be helpful . Um And that's why , you 09:12.109 --> 09:14.220 know , the secretary has been clear , 09:14.220 --> 09:16.442 you know , you have to remember and you 09:16.442 --> 09:18.665 can look back at some of our statements 09:18.665 --> 09:20.776 from then on October 8th when we were 09:20.776 --> 09:20.440 moving assets to the region , when the 09:20.450 --> 09:22.117 Ford was moved to the Eastern 09:22.117 --> 09:24.228 Mediterranean , we were talking about 09:24.349 --> 09:26.469 not wanting to see this escalate to a 09:26.479 --> 09:28.479 wider regional conflict . And we've 09:28.479 --> 09:30.812 been very consistent in that . Um since , 09:30.812 --> 09:33.090 you know , the beginning , considering 09:33.099 --> 09:35.155 all of that , the Israeli government 09:35.155 --> 09:37.321 are now saying that they're entering a 09:37.321 --> 09:39.377 new phase in the war and now they're 09:39.377 --> 09:41.488 going to focus on the North God knows 09:41.488 --> 09:43.655 how long that is going to take because 09:43.655 --> 09:45.710 the last one has , has been going on 09:45.710 --> 09:47.766 for more than 11 months now . And we 09:47.766 --> 09:49.877 can't even talk about a distant dream 09:49.877 --> 09:52.099 of this ceasefire now , it was 90% just 09:52.099 --> 09:54.321 a couple of weeks ago . Now , we're not 09:54.321 --> 09:53.909 even talking about the possibility of a 09:53.919 --> 09:56.440 ceasefire . So when all of this , all 09:56.450 --> 09:58.561 of this is happening , can you please 09:58.561 --> 10:00.672 once again , uh reiterate that we are 10:00.672 --> 10:02.672 fully behind Israel militarily , no 10:02.672 --> 10:04.728 matter what happens , no matter what 10:04.728 --> 10:06.728 your policy is , we'll come to your 10:06.728 --> 10:08.830 defense . So , um just on the uh you 10:08.840 --> 10:10.784 know what the comments that you're 10:10.784 --> 10:13.062 referencing came from Minister Gallant , 10:13.062 --> 10:15.007 I would refer you to his office to 10:15.007 --> 10:17.062 speak to that . I'm , you know , I'm 10:17.062 --> 10:16.940 the spokesperson for the secretary , 10:16.950 --> 10:19.119 not , not him . Um 10:20.650 --> 10:23.450 We are there the , the the movements 10:23.460 --> 10:25.682 that you've seen us made are there also 10:25.682 --> 10:27.904 to protect our own forces in the region 10:27.904 --> 10:29.627 that have come under attack in 10:29.627 --> 10:31.738 different places in the Middle East . 10:31.738 --> 10:33.904 The president has been very clear that 10:33.904 --> 10:35.849 we are there to support Israel and 10:35.849 --> 10:35.719 their self defense . Should they need 10:35.729 --> 10:38.940 it . And I mean , you don't have to be 10:38.950 --> 10:41.469 reminded , but on April 13th , they 10:41.479 --> 10:43.830 were the recipient of a massive attack 10:43.840 --> 10:47.380 from Iran . So should that attack or 10:47.390 --> 10:49.612 something like that ever happen again ? 10:49.612 --> 10:51.668 We have forces in the region to help 10:51.668 --> 10:53.834 defend Israel and that is a commitment 10:53.834 --> 10:55.890 that you've seen this administration 10:55.890 --> 10:57.834 make Louis . Yes . Um There's some 10:57.834 --> 11:00.489 media outlets in Israel and I believe 11:00.500 --> 11:02.619 in axios that are reporting that 11:02.869 --> 11:05.099 Secretary Austin has postponed a trip 11:05.369 --> 11:07.536 to the region specific to Israel . Can 11:07.536 --> 11:09.813 you provide any details on that . Yeah , 11:09.813 --> 11:11.980 thanks Louis for the question . As you 11:11.980 --> 11:13.758 know , we haven't announced any 11:13.758 --> 11:15.869 upcoming trips . Um , so I don't have 11:15.869 --> 11:18.036 anything to announce today when we are 11:18.036 --> 11:20.258 ready to announce a trip . We certainly 11:20.258 --> 11:22.202 will keep you updated . But I just 11:22.202 --> 11:24.313 don't have more to share on that come 11:24.313 --> 11:26.469 up with another question . Um , the 11:26.479 --> 11:28.590 secretary and Minister Dean have been 11:28.590 --> 11:31.169 speaking quite frequently . Um , and 11:31.179 --> 11:33.346 during those comm communications , pre 11:33.346 --> 11:35.630 and post , um , I believe one of the 11:35.640 --> 11:37.599 readouts from the Israeli side , I 11:37.609 --> 11:40.140 think it was on Monday night said that 11:40.289 --> 11:43.729 uh the opportunities for a diplomatic 11:43.739 --> 11:47.299 solution in Lebanon are decreasing . Is 11:47.309 --> 11:49.476 that something that an assessment that 11:49.476 --> 11:51.760 is also shared here by the Pentagon in 11:51.770 --> 11:54.140 the wake of that conversation ? Well , 11:54.150 --> 11:56.206 I , you know , in terms of the cease 11:56.206 --> 11:58.372 fire deal , I I would refer you to the 11:58.372 --> 12:00.539 State Department who's really the lead 12:00.539 --> 12:02.761 on that , but I can tell you that we do 12:02.761 --> 12:04.761 not believe that the the deal um is 12:04.761 --> 12:06.983 falling apart . We believe that that is 12:06.983 --> 12:09.159 the best way to end the war that's 12:09.169 --> 12:11.169 happening in Gaza and to , to lower 12:11.169 --> 12:13.113 those tensions in the region . And 12:13.113 --> 12:14.613 that's why you keep seeing 12:14.613 --> 12:16.502 administration officials from all 12:16.502 --> 12:18.725 across this administration go back into 12:18.725 --> 12:21.020 the region and continue to engage um 12:21.760 --> 12:23.789 you know , different countries , 12:23.799 --> 12:25.799 different partners there to try and 12:25.799 --> 12:27.855 bring a deal closer together because 12:27.855 --> 12:29.966 ultimately , what we're talking about 12:29.966 --> 12:32.820 is bringing hostages home . Um and an 12:32.830 --> 12:35.820 end to what has been you know , I think 12:35.830 --> 12:37.941 it was referenced earlier an almost a 12:37.941 --> 12:39.997 year long conflict and that's what I 12:39.997 --> 12:41.997 think everyone wants to see is this 12:41.997 --> 12:44.108 come to a close um and see a new path 12:44.108 --> 12:46.163 forward for the Palestinians in Gaza 12:46.163 --> 12:48.441 and see our hostages come home . Um So , 12:48.441 --> 12:50.497 no , is that the deal done ? I don't 12:50.497 --> 12:52.386 think so . Um We're still working 12:52.386 --> 12:54.552 towards that every single day , but we 12:54.552 --> 12:56.663 need the commitment from all of those 12:56.663 --> 12:58.719 involved to make sure that it can be 12:58.719 --> 13:00.608 put into place Joseph . Thank you 13:00.608 --> 13:03.330 Sabrina . So back to uh to four or five 13:03.340 --> 13:05.630 phone calls between Secretary Austin 13:05.849 --> 13:08.950 and Minister Garland . Is it fair to 13:08.960 --> 13:11.619 say because if we read the press 13:11.630 --> 13:14.059 releases here at the Pentagon and we 13:14.070 --> 13:16.859 see the Israeli reports , it looks like 13:17.169 --> 13:19.169 Secretary Austin is not on the same 13:19.169 --> 13:22.080 page with m with Minister Gallant when 13:22.090 --> 13:24.640 it comes to reducing tensions , 13:24.690 --> 13:27.880 avoiding any incursion in Lebanon . Is 13:27.890 --> 13:29.834 it fair to say that there are some 13:29.834 --> 13:32.030 differences between Secretary Austin 13:32.299 --> 13:34.359 and Minister Gallant ? I won't speak 13:34.369 --> 13:36.591 for Minister Gallant . I can only speak 13:36.591 --> 13:38.813 for Secretary Austin . I think there is 13:38.813 --> 13:42.330 a uh shared agreement that no one wants 13:42.340 --> 13:44.396 to see this broadened out to a wider 13:44.396 --> 13:46.451 regional conflict . There is also an 13:46.451 --> 13:48.618 agreement that we want to see what's , 13:48.618 --> 13:50.673 you know , a ceasefire deal put into 13:50.673 --> 13:52.820 place the parameters of that deal and 13:52.830 --> 13:54.830 how it gets implemented . Those are 13:54.830 --> 13:56.886 still being negotiated . And again , 13:56.886 --> 13:58.886 you know , I would refer you to the 13:58.886 --> 14:00.997 State Department who's really lead on 14:00.997 --> 14:03.108 and the NSE who's really lead on some 14:03.108 --> 14:05.052 of those negotiations . But II , I 14:05.052 --> 14:07.274 certainly think there's um agreement uh 14:07.274 --> 14:09.386 between both countries that we do not 14:09.386 --> 14:11.608 want to see a wider regional conflict . 14:11.608 --> 14:13.940 What , what you're saying now , uh what 14:13.950 --> 14:16.419 this is your vision towards the 14:16.429 --> 14:18.880 conflict in the region ? Do you believe 14:18.890 --> 14:21.760 that the Israelis are listening to 14:22.130 --> 14:25.900 these uh points ? I 14:25.909 --> 14:28.131 think they're certainly listening . You 14:28.131 --> 14:29.687 wouldn't see this amount of 14:29.687 --> 14:31.853 communication between Secretary Austin 14:31.853 --> 14:33.940 and Minister Galant . Yeah , so I 14:33.950 --> 14:36.172 appreciate the question . I'm not gonna 14:36.172 --> 14:38.172 go beyond the readouts . What I can 14:38.172 --> 14:40.228 tell you is that every time that the 14:40.228 --> 14:42.283 secretary engages Minister Galant or 14:42.283 --> 14:44.506 anyone else in the region , these are , 14:44.506 --> 14:46.561 you know , direct conversations that 14:46.561 --> 14:48.728 are being had about not wanting to see 14:48.728 --> 14:50.783 this widen out to a broader regional 14:50.783 --> 14:52.839 war . Um And they have conversations 14:52.839 --> 14:55.061 about other things too , whether it's , 14:55.061 --> 14:57.172 you know , operations being conducted 14:57.172 --> 14:57.085 within Gaza , whether it's not , you 14:57.096 --> 14:59.565 know , um tensions growing on that 14:59.575 --> 15:01.666 northern border , um their 15:01.676 --> 15:05.236 conversations , you know , if III I 15:05.245 --> 15:07.245 would push back on the premise that 15:07.245 --> 15:09.356 they're not listening when there's so 15:09.356 --> 15:11.467 many conversations between the two of 15:11.467 --> 15:13.356 them . Um , so frequently that of 15:13.356 --> 15:15.301 course there's engagement , we can 15:15.301 --> 15:17.645 agree to disagree at times . But um I'm 15:17.656 --> 15:19.712 just not going to be able to provide 15:19.712 --> 15:21.656 more than , than the readouts from 15:21.656 --> 15:23.656 before . Yeah . Yes . Thank you . I 15:23.656 --> 15:25.767 have a question on the PD for Ukraine 15:25.767 --> 15:27.545 Uh So it looks like Congress is 15:27.545 --> 15:29.767 struggling with passing the cr now . So 15:29.767 --> 15:31.823 why not to choose what seems to be a 15:31.823 --> 15:33.767 more straightforward path and just 15:33.767 --> 15:35.712 formally notify Congress about the 15:35.712 --> 15:37.434 intention to use the remaining 15:37.434 --> 15:39.545 authority to secure this amount at as 15:39.545 --> 15:41.712 it has been done before . Well , we do 15:41.712 --> 15:43.878 plan to use the authority that we have 15:43.878 --> 15:46.500 allocated for . Uh We do plan to use 15:46.510 --> 15:48.820 the amount that's allocated for 15:48.830 --> 15:51.099 authority . It's being able to extend 15:51.109 --> 15:53.109 that authority to use it beyond the 15:53.109 --> 15:55.165 fiscal year that we are working with 15:55.165 --> 15:56.942 Congress on . So there is every 15:56.942 --> 15:58.942 intention that we want to use every 15:58.942 --> 16:01.165 dollar and cent of that authority . But 16:01.165 --> 16:04.200 the issue is also we can't um 16:05.260 --> 16:08.750 draw down packages without that um cap 16:08.760 --> 16:10.927 those capabilities on our shelves . So 16:10.927 --> 16:12.760 that's something that we're also 16:12.760 --> 16:14.871 working with . And I'd remind you too 16:14.871 --> 16:14.530 that during the six month that we 16:14.539 --> 16:16.761 didn't have that supplemental package , 16:16.761 --> 16:19.039 we weren't able to restock our shelves . 16:19.039 --> 16:21.261 So that's why we need Congress to offer 16:21.261 --> 16:24.130 this extension to allow us to continue 16:24.140 --> 16:27.049 to dole out those PD A packages is that 16:27.059 --> 16:29.059 it can be extended without Congress 16:29.059 --> 16:31.289 passing in other legislation if the 16:31.299 --> 16:33.243 state department just notifies the 16:33.243 --> 16:35.355 Congress that there's an intention to 16:35.355 --> 16:37.410 use that . So why not to choose that 16:37.410 --> 16:39.489 path right now ? Right now , we're 16:39.500 --> 16:41.556 working with Congress to extend this 16:41.556 --> 16:43.739 authority . Um Look , there is a , 16:43.760 --> 16:45.929 there is bipartisan agreement in 16:45.940 --> 16:48.107 Congress that we are going to continue 16:48.107 --> 16:50.162 to support Ukraine for as long as it 16:50.162 --> 16:52.218 takes . Um And you're seeing that on 16:52.218 --> 16:54.273 both sides of the aisle . So I think 16:54.273 --> 16:56.384 that there is agreement on , on , you 16:56.384 --> 16:55.760 know , we're going to continue to 16:55.770 --> 16:57.826 support Ukraine . We're working with 16:57.826 --> 16:59.937 Congress right now . When I have more 16:59.937 --> 17:03.159 to share , I will maybe a number for 17:03.169 --> 17:05.140 how much money remains from those 17:05.150 --> 17:08.420 recalculated , uh accounting errors for 17:08.439 --> 17:10.661 a for Ukraine . Uh Do you have anything 17:10.661 --> 17:12.661 that I can tell you that we have uh 17:12.661 --> 17:15.750 $5.9 billion left in Ukraine 17:15.979 --> 17:19.020 PDAs . All but 100 million of which 17:19.030 --> 17:21.197 expire at the end of the fiscal year . 17:21.197 --> 17:23.308 So it's a total of 5.8 . I don't have 17:23.308 --> 17:25.252 the recalculated cost from some of 17:25.252 --> 17:27.363 those other packages , but that's the 17:27.363 --> 17:29.586 total that we have right now , Tony . I 17:29.586 --> 17:31.586 know you're gonna ask a another way 17:31.586 --> 17:33.586 you've had since April to spend all 17:33.586 --> 17:35.363 this money . You guys move with 17:35.363 --> 17:37.530 alacrity on a lot of stuff . You had a 17:37.530 --> 17:39.697 $1 billion PD A and then the rest have 17:39.697 --> 17:41.752 been in the $250 million range . Why 17:41.752 --> 17:43.919 have you not obligated all this use of 17:43.919 --> 17:45.919 this authority to this point ? This 17:45.919 --> 17:48.670 doesn't make a lot of sense . Well , uh 17:48.680 --> 17:50.791 Tony , the reason why we haven't been 17:50.791 --> 17:52.958 able to send out what you're saying is 17:52.958 --> 17:55.069 larger packages is because we have to 17:55.069 --> 17:57.402 have those systems , those capabilities , 17:57.402 --> 17:59.569 those munitions on our shelves . If we 17:59.569 --> 18:01.680 don't have something on our shelves , 18:01.680 --> 18:03.902 we can't just send it out . Um , and so 18:03.902 --> 18:05.958 that's part of the reason why , um , 18:06.010 --> 18:08.510 you know , you've seen a range of , in , 18:08.520 --> 18:10.576 in , in size of these packages , but 18:10.576 --> 18:12.631 they are metered and they , they are 18:12.631 --> 18:14.969 also done that way because that's how 18:14.979 --> 18:16.979 the Ukrainians also receive some of 18:16.979 --> 18:19.035 these capabilities and it helps them 18:19.035 --> 18:21.201 also be able to process it , get it to 18:21.201 --> 18:23.423 their front lines or wherever they need 18:23.423 --> 18:25.646 it to go . Um This is a system that was 18:25.646 --> 18:27.868 put in place , you know , early on . If 18:27.868 --> 18:30.090 you just sort of dump a bunch of things 18:30.090 --> 18:32.201 on the battlefield and capabilities , 18:32.201 --> 18:34.368 that also doesn't help . We are taking 18:34.368 --> 18:34.260 a metered approach that we've worked 18:34.270 --> 18:36.048 out with the Ukrainians on this 18:36.048 --> 18:37.969 stockpile . There's inventory 18:37.979 --> 18:40.939 shortfalls in what we call rockets and 18:40.949 --> 18:43.469 missiles and protective gear . I mean , 18:43.609 --> 18:45.609 can you flesh it out a little bit ? 18:45.609 --> 18:47.720 This seems kind of surprising . We're 18:47.720 --> 18:49.609 always assessing our readiness so 18:49.609 --> 18:52.089 against any package that's drawn down , 18:52.099 --> 18:53.932 it's always assessed against our 18:53.932 --> 18:56.043 readiness . So if you know , the , uh 18:56.043 --> 18:58.660 the services , the chairman secretary 18:58.670 --> 19:00.892 do not feel that , you know , a certain 19:00.892 --> 19:03.439 package can , um , you know , have 19:03.449 --> 19:05.640 certain things or amounts in it , then 19:05.650 --> 19:07.706 we won't draw that down until we can 19:07.706 --> 19:09.761 backfill ourselves . What happens to 19:09.761 --> 19:12.160 the 5.8 billion in authority ? If 19:12.930 --> 19:15.150 there's no extension and this is like 19:15.160 --> 19:18.329 free money to you guys , what happens 19:18.339 --> 19:20.395 to the , is it , it's not money that 19:20.395 --> 19:22.506 goes back to the treasury . It's just 19:22.506 --> 19:24.672 authority that goes poof and you don't 19:24.672 --> 19:24.369 have the funding remains . It's the 19:24.380 --> 19:26.630 authority that needs to be extended . 19:26.819 --> 19:29.410 So we're working with Congress again . 19:29.670 --> 19:31.837 We're continuing to engage when I have 19:31.837 --> 19:33.948 more to share . We will . But this is 19:33.948 --> 19:35.781 something that uh as I mentioned 19:35.781 --> 19:37.969 earlier has bipartisan support to make 19:37.979 --> 19:40.146 sure that Ukraine is continuing to get 19:40.146 --> 19:42.257 what it needs on the battlefield . So 19:42.257 --> 19:44.312 we're going to continue to work with 19:44.312 --> 19:46.646 Congress on , on this issue . OK . Yeah , 19:46.646 --> 19:48.923 Phil . Um two questions back on Israel . 19:48.923 --> 19:51.090 One is , you know , the administration 19:51.090 --> 19:50.449 has been quite clear that it's gonna do 19:50.459 --> 19:52.403 what it needs to do to help Israel 19:52.403 --> 19:54.829 defend itself . Um Does that apply to 19:54.839 --> 19:56.783 an Israeli offensive into Lebanese 19:56.783 --> 19:59.006 territory ? That's the first question . 19:59.006 --> 20:01.228 The second question um relates to , you 20:01.228 --> 20:03.395 know , Israeli intentions , you know , 20:03.395 --> 20:05.617 you said that uh that the United States 20:05.619 --> 20:08.250 and Israel share uh the desire to not 20:08.260 --> 20:11.069 have this escalate into a regional war , 20:11.079 --> 20:14.459 would an escalation in Lebanon uh be 20:14.469 --> 20:16.691 that regional war that you're trying to 20:16.691 --> 20:18.949 avoid ? And if so help me understand 20:18.959 --> 20:21.015 how there is agreement there between 20:21.015 --> 20:23.237 the United States and Israel . Um So on 20:23.237 --> 20:25.459 your first question , you know , Phil , 20:25.459 --> 20:27.515 I think we've been pretty clear from 20:27.515 --> 20:29.681 the beginning that we are there in the 20:29.681 --> 20:31.792 defense of Israel . Should we need to 20:31.792 --> 20:34.015 come to their defense ? We're not going 20:34.015 --> 20:35.959 in and supporting offensive ground 20:35.959 --> 20:38.181 operations in what they do , whether it 20:38.181 --> 20:40.237 be in the North or in Gaza . And the 20:40.237 --> 20:42.181 president has been very clear that 20:42.181 --> 20:41.680 you're not gonna have us boots on the 20:41.689 --> 20:44.459 ground in Gaza . As you might remember , 20:44.469 --> 20:47.489 uh , when we set up a maritime corridor 20:47.500 --> 20:50.209 that brought , you know , close to 30 20:50.219 --> 20:52.386 million pounds of aid through , we did 20:52.386 --> 20:54.497 not have us boots on the ground to do 20:54.497 --> 20:56.608 that . Um , so the president was very 20:56.608 --> 20:58.830 clear at the very beginning on what the 20:58.830 --> 21:00.997 United States role is when it comes to 21:00.997 --> 21:03.219 Israel's operations . Um On your second 21:03.219 --> 21:05.650 question , look without going down the 21:05.660 --> 21:08.369 rabbit hole of hypotheticals . Uh And I , 21:08.380 --> 21:10.436 and not wanting to define what a AAA 21:10.436 --> 21:12.800 broad war would look like . 21:14.199 --> 21:16.459 We don't want to see a regional 21:16.469 --> 21:18.750 conflict spread right now . We believe 21:18.760 --> 21:20.538 the conflict still has remained 21:20.538 --> 21:21.760 contained into Gaza , 21:23.949 --> 21:27.640 ultimately the best way um for , 21:27.650 --> 21:30.239 for , you know , things to resolve and 21:30.250 --> 21:32.880 for tensions to lessen is by diplomatic 21:32.890 --> 21:34.946 means . And that's why you're seeing 21:34.946 --> 21:37.279 such an aggressive push from , you know , 21:37.279 --> 21:39.279 many different officials across the 21:39.279 --> 21:41.446 administration that continue to travel 21:41.446 --> 21:43.557 back to the region um or elsewhere to 21:43.557 --> 21:45.612 engage um officials on both sides to 21:45.612 --> 21:47.834 make sure that we can reach that , that 21:47.834 --> 21:50.001 type of ceasefire . Yeah . Uh Thanks s 21:50.001 --> 21:52.869 uh some 50,000 relatives of Isis 21:52.880 --> 21:55.520 fighters are currently detained in the 21:55.530 --> 21:58.510 northeast of Syria prisons such as Al 21:58.880 --> 22:01.800 and uh Russia . You might know that 22:02.400 --> 22:04.511 multi , multiple times some detainees 22:04.511 --> 22:07.010 tried to escape from the prisons . Do 22:07.020 --> 22:08.909 you have a long term plan for the 22:08.909 --> 22:11.930 prison . And in Syria , well , 22:11.939 --> 22:14.106 something that we work with , I mean , 22:14.106 --> 22:16.106 through us central command . So for 22:16.106 --> 22:17.939 more details on , you know , how 22:17.939 --> 22:20.161 they're addressing the threat of ISIS , 22:20.161 --> 22:22.161 I direct you to them . But I mean , 22:22.161 --> 22:22.140 we've been very clear and I just read 22:22.150 --> 22:24.372 out , you know , even at the top on the 22:24.372 --> 22:26.428 partner raid that we did , um , ISIS 22:26.428 --> 22:29.329 still does present a threat in the 22:29.339 --> 22:31.506 region . It's very different from what 22:31.506 --> 22:34.290 it was in 2014 . Um But to now , you 22:34.300 --> 22:36.467 know , it's still something that we're 22:36.520 --> 22:39.010 that we continue to monitor and that's 22:39.020 --> 22:41.187 why you see us partner with whether it 22:41.187 --> 22:43.298 be the Iraqi security forces or the , 22:43.298 --> 22:45.300 the SDF um conducting these raids 22:45.579 --> 22:48.729 against , you know , ISIS cells or , or , 22:48.739 --> 22:52.459 or leaders , the camp or the prisons 22:52.469 --> 22:56.089 are guarded by the SDF . So how long 22:56.099 --> 22:57.821 will your partnership with the 22:57.821 --> 22:59.821 president and other partners in the 22:59.821 --> 23:02.043 region continue ? Yeah , I don't have a 23:02.043 --> 23:04.266 timeline . Yeah . Thank you , Sabrina . 23:04.266 --> 23:06.377 Um I have a question about the recent 23:06.377 --> 23:08.210 resolution approved today in the 23:08.210 --> 23:11.000 European Union about the use of 23:11.010 --> 23:13.670 European weapons in the Russian 23:13.680 --> 23:16.939 territories . So , um some European 23:16.949 --> 23:19.949 states such as Italy and a few mores 23:20.170 --> 23:23.880 did not sign it . So , um my , I have 23:23.890 --> 23:26.829 two questions . My first question is um 23:26.839 --> 23:29.589 does this lack of unity in Europe right 23:29.599 --> 23:31.750 now in the use of weapons in the 23:31.760 --> 23:34.199 Russian territories may compromise the 23:34.209 --> 23:36.550 decision of the US such as the Pentagon 23:37.250 --> 23:39.430 uh maybe to use different kind of 23:39.439 --> 23:41.949 weapons in Russia such as the long 23:41.959 --> 23:44.689 range missiles . That's the first 23:44.699 --> 23:48.189 question . Sure . So on . Um the use of 23:48.199 --> 23:52.109 long range uh weapons into 23:52.119 --> 23:54.341 Russian territory , our position on and 23:54.341 --> 23:56.563 our policy hasn't changed . I push back 23:56.563 --> 23:59.150 on the fact that , that it might be 23:59.160 --> 24:01.271 this issue that you're referring to . 24:01.271 --> 24:04.989 But there is broad unity and cohesion 24:05.099 --> 24:07.469 with European countries , the United 24:07.479 --> 24:09.535 States and other partners and allies 24:09.535 --> 24:11.423 around the world when it comes to 24:12.099 --> 24:14.210 making sure Ukraine has what it needs 24:14.210 --> 24:16.210 on the battlefield to take back its 24:16.210 --> 24:18.099 sovereign territory . And that is 24:18.099 --> 24:20.449 evidence by the U DC G which you know , 24:20.459 --> 24:23.319 has over I think 50 partners or , or 24:23.329 --> 24:25.630 organizations part of it . Um So 24:26.939 --> 24:29.439 um weapons into the , I know there is 24:29.449 --> 24:31.671 unity I'm talking about , I can't speak 24:31.671 --> 24:33.920 for , I can't speak for other European 24:33.930 --> 24:35.986 countries . I can only speak for our 24:35.986 --> 24:38.152 policy and our policy hasn't changed . 24:38.152 --> 24:41.530 And um and the other question is uh um 24:41.709 --> 24:43.876 that those decisions , the negative of 24:43.876 --> 24:45.931 some country not to use some weapons 24:45.931 --> 24:47.979 and instead of some other European 24:47.989 --> 24:49.822 country that wanna use your NATO 24:49.822 --> 24:52.045 weapons in into the Russian territories 24:52.410 --> 24:55.959 will change any plan uh from the 24:55.969 --> 24:58.599 Pentagon , any like strategies that now 24:58.609 --> 25:00.498 there is this bigger support from 25:00.498 --> 25:03.979 Europe , you know , I appreciate the 25:03.989 --> 25:05.933 question . I can't speak for other 25:05.933 --> 25:08.156 countries and their plans if they , you 25:08.156 --> 25:10.378 know , change their policies . Um I can 25:10.378 --> 25:12.545 only speak for us and our policies and 25:12.545 --> 25:14.433 our policy right now that has not 25:14.433 --> 25:16.600 changed . And I'll remind you that , I 25:16.600 --> 25:18.933 think a few weeks ago we mentioned that , 25:18.933 --> 25:21.979 um , Russia has moved its airfields 25:21.989 --> 25:25.239 back significantly out of what you're 25:25.250 --> 25:27.139 referring to as the attack . Um , 25:27.139 --> 25:29.361 they've moved it out of attacks range . 25:29.361 --> 25:31.694 So , um , attacks wouldn't even be , uh , 25:31.694 --> 25:33.861 be able to be employed in a useful way 25:33.861 --> 25:35.694 on the battlefield because those 25:35.694 --> 25:38.028 airfields aren't in those attacks range . 25:38.028 --> 25:39.861 So again , I , I can't speak for 25:39.861 --> 25:41.861 European countries and , and change 25:41.861 --> 25:43.917 their policies . I can only speak to 25:43.917 --> 25:46.083 ours . Um , and right now there's no , 25:46.083 --> 25:48.194 there's no change in us policy . Ok , 25:48.739 --> 25:51.510 very quick . So it would be best , um , 25:52.699 --> 25:54.810 for all European countries to approve 25:54.810 --> 25:56.979 the use of weapons in order to , to 25:56.989 --> 25:59.267 move Russia's back and have , you know , 25:59.267 --> 26:02.069 in free Ukraine faster from Russia . 26:02.079 --> 26:04.190 That would be like the best . I think 26:04.190 --> 26:05.857 we're getting into a bit of a 26:05.857 --> 26:07.857 hypothetical . And I , I do want to 26:07.857 --> 26:09.857 point out in what the secretary has 26:09.857 --> 26:12.079 said , you know , as someone that has , 26:12.079 --> 26:14.135 you know , significant experience on 26:14.135 --> 26:13.400 the battlefield and understands how 26:13.410 --> 26:15.359 these things knit together . The 26:15.369 --> 26:17.479 secretary , whenever he talks about 26:17.489 --> 26:19.600 this , we , you know , have been very 26:19.600 --> 26:21.822 clear , there's not , it's not a silver 26:21.822 --> 26:24.045 bullet , it's not one capability that's 26:24.045 --> 26:26.211 going to win the war or suddenly , you 26:26.211 --> 26:27.989 know , unlock something for the 26:27.989 --> 26:30.349 Ukrainians . It's how all the weapons , 26:30.359 --> 26:32.470 all the systems knit together and how 26:32.470 --> 26:35.140 the Ukrainians employ those together on 26:35.150 --> 26:37.317 the battlefield . That's , that is how 26:37.317 --> 26:39.539 they are going to be successful . Um So 26:39.539 --> 26:41.761 again , it's not one system that all of 26:41.761 --> 26:45.760 a suddenly X happens . And uh you 26:45.770 --> 26:47.992 know , it's , it's a delusion , they've 26:47.992 --> 26:50.214 been able to , you know , take back all 26:50.214 --> 26:52.381 their sovereign territory . It's not a 26:52.381 --> 26:54.548 silver bullet . It's how they all work 26:54.548 --> 26:56.714 together . And you're talking about us 26:56.714 --> 26:58.659 systems , NATO systems , different 26:58.659 --> 27:00.881 European systems and old Soviet systems 27:00.881 --> 27:00.839 all working together . And that , that 27:00.849 --> 27:04.319 is a challenge and that is why um you 27:04.329 --> 27:07.599 know , the Ukrainians continue to be , 27:07.609 --> 27:09.720 they're employing all these different 27:09.720 --> 27:11.331 types of capabilities on the 27:11.331 --> 27:13.165 battlefield and still being very 27:13.165 --> 27:15.220 successful at doing that . But it is 27:15.220 --> 27:17.220 not one system or capability that's 27:17.220 --> 27:19.276 gonna be that silver bullet . Yeah , 27:19.276 --> 27:21.442 thank you , ma'am . Um I wanted to ask 27:21.442 --> 27:23.442 about August pillar two and kind of 27:23.442 --> 27:25.276 efforts to reduce export control 27:25.276 --> 27:27.498 restrictions . There was a release this 27:27.498 --> 27:29.442 week and I kind of understand that 27:29.442 --> 27:31.553 there were amendments to arms traffic 27:31.553 --> 27:33.887 regulations and um licensing exemptions . 27:34.839 --> 27:36.728 Does the secretary feel there are 27:36.728 --> 27:38.989 further changes necessary to support 27:39.000 --> 27:41.800 pillar two and our August partners as 27:41.810 --> 27:44.319 far as trade ? Um And I guess , could 27:44.329 --> 27:47.069 you kind of categorize the significance 27:47.079 --> 27:49.135 of these export control changes ? Is 27:49.135 --> 27:52.109 this rudimentary or I guess ? Yeah , 27:52.119 --> 27:54.397 what's your feeling on that ? You know , 27:54.397 --> 27:56.563 I'm gonna take that question for you . 27:56.563 --> 27:58.675 I just don't , I just don't have more 27:58.675 --> 28:00.786 details to offer on that one . My own 28:00.786 --> 28:00.660 understanding . I guess I'd love to 28:00.670 --> 28:02.837 know what's the secretary's process of 28:02.837 --> 28:05.349 how he helps support these changes . Is 28:05.359 --> 28:08.569 it through state or commerce or like 28:08.579 --> 28:11.189 through , for August ? I mean , there's , 28:11.199 --> 28:12.921 I mean , it's , of course , an 28:12.921 --> 28:14.921 interagency process and the sec , I 28:14.930 --> 28:17.041 mean , we have , you know , different 28:17.041 --> 28:19.263 levers here throughout the department , 28:19.263 --> 28:21.541 whether it's in our policy channels or , 28:21.541 --> 28:23.541 you know , and through the services 28:23.541 --> 28:23.459 that all engage on issues and advise 28:23.469 --> 28:26.064 the secretary . But look , I will take 28:26.074 --> 28:28.352 your question , your first one on that . 28:28.352 --> 28:30.463 So we'll certainly get back to you on 28:30.463 --> 28:32.296 that . Yes , thank you , Sabrina 28:32.296 --> 28:34.463 regarding what's happened the last two 28:34.463 --> 28:36.518 days in Lebanon . So how much damage 28:36.518 --> 28:39.305 did you think with your assessment ? Of 28:39.314 --> 28:42.354 course , that Hezbollah has been done 28:42.364 --> 28:45.114 because of this exclusive ? And do you 28:45.125 --> 28:47.236 think these steps of these exclusives 28:47.236 --> 28:49.635 will deter Hezbollah from attacking 28:49.645 --> 28:52.250 Israel again ? And my last question 28:52.260 --> 28:55.550 would be um do you still confidence 28:55.560 --> 28:58.869 that the diplomacy is still possible to 28:58.880 --> 29:01.060 solve this tension , high tension of 29:01.069 --> 29:04.390 the border there ? Yes , absolutely . 29:04.400 --> 29:07.739 Diplomacy is the best way to 29:07.750 --> 29:09.639 resolving the tensions that we're 29:09.639 --> 29:11.639 seeing in the Middle East . There's 29:11.639 --> 29:13.750 abso that's absolutely not a corridor 29:13.750 --> 29:15.972 that's closed off . Um That's certainly 29:15.972 --> 29:19.229 a path that you've seen so many , many 29:19.250 --> 29:21.589 uh folks from this administration 29:21.920 --> 29:24.260 engage on and continuing to urge 29:24.270 --> 29:26.410 forward for diplomacy because that is 29:26.420 --> 29:28.589 ultimately the best way to reach a 29:28.599 --> 29:31.859 ceasefire deal in Gaza . Um in terms of 29:31.869 --> 29:34.036 an assessment on the attack I just , I 29:34.036 --> 29:36.147 just don't have that for you . Yeah , 29:36.147 --> 29:38.859 thanks very much . A quick question on 29:38.869 --> 29:41.119 uh the new leader of Al Al Qaeda . Some 29:41.130 --> 29:44.280 reports indicated that Saif Al Adel 29:44.339 --> 29:47.010 apparently moved from Iran to Afghan 29:47.020 --> 29:50.540 into Afghanistan recently . So he uh as 29:50.550 --> 29:53.030 you know , he is the new leader of Al 29:53.040 --> 29:55.439 Qaeda . And also there are reports that 29:55.449 --> 29:59.339 a bunch of other people who are 29:59.349 --> 30:01.349 with Al Qaeda or affiliated with Al 30:01.349 --> 30:04.130 Qaeda and Isis moved into Afghanistan 30:04.390 --> 30:07.540 and they are close with some faction of 30:07.550 --> 30:10.939 Taliban like Kanis . Uh Do you , first 30:10.949 --> 30:13.750 of all , do you confirm that the cleats 30:13.760 --> 30:17.479 movement or not ? The second ? Uh are 30:17.489 --> 30:19.711 you concerned or what is the assessment 30:19.711 --> 30:22.000 of the Pentagon uh regarding these 30:22.010 --> 30:24.177 reports and concerns that put it out ? 30:24.329 --> 30:26.385 Yeah , thanks for the question . I'm 30:26.385 --> 30:28.496 just not gonna be able to do an intel 30:28.496 --> 30:30.607 assessment from here , but um I , I'm 30:30.607 --> 30:30.459 just not gonna be able to go into those 30:30.469 --> 30:34.060 details . Yeah . Uh Thanks Sabrina . So 30:34.069 --> 30:36.236 um you probably saw this , there was a 30:36.236 --> 30:38.458 massive explosion pretty deep in Russia 30:38.458 --> 30:40.291 in the Tets region where Ukraine 30:40.291 --> 30:42.402 claimed that they sent a drone um and 30:42.402 --> 30:44.959 blew up a weapons arsenal . Um So that 30:44.969 --> 30:47.025 was one of the deeper strikes of the 30:47.025 --> 30:49.080 war and the explosion was , I mean , 30:49.080 --> 30:51.302 one of the big , the biggest one that's 30:51.302 --> 30:54.109 gone on in Russia . Um So you alluded 30:54.119 --> 30:56.341 earlier that your policy hasn't changed 30:56.341 --> 30:58.563 with deep strikes in Russia . So do you 30:58.563 --> 31:00.730 view that , as , you know , disobeying 31:00.730 --> 31:02.675 that request to the Ukrainians . I 31:02.675 --> 31:02.449 think you just said that they used 31:02.459 --> 31:06.040 drones . Right . That's what they said . 31:06.050 --> 31:09.449 Yes , our policy hasn't changed , um , 31:09.459 --> 31:11.570 to my knowledge , the attack wouldn't 31:11.579 --> 31:13.801 even reach , uh , what you're referring 31:13.801 --> 31:15.746 to . Again . They've moved many of 31:15.746 --> 31:17.857 their , uh , airfields out of attacks 31:17.857 --> 31:19.801 range . Um , but our policy hasn't 31:19.801 --> 31:21.968 changed . We provide them any drones . 31:22.189 --> 31:24.300 I mean , we've provided them drones , 31:24.300 --> 31:26.522 of course , in different packages . But 31:26.522 --> 31:28.689 for this particular strike , I'd refer 31:28.689 --> 31:31.022 to the Ukrainians to really speak to it . 31:31.022 --> 31:33.189 But why are you so certain that it was 31:33.189 --> 31:35.300 not a US drone ? I , I would refer to 31:35.300 --> 31:37.300 the Ukrainians to speak to that our 31:37.300 --> 31:39.467 policy . What we are being asked about 31:39.467 --> 31:41.522 earlier is on attacks and those long 31:41.522 --> 31:43.689 range deep strike capabilities when it 31:43.689 --> 31:45.856 comes to that specific capability . Um 31:45.856 --> 31:47.911 I just don't have more to provide on 31:47.911 --> 31:50.078 this . I'd refer you to the Ukrainians 31:50.078 --> 31:52.411 to speak to that . Ok . Thanks everyone . 31:52.411 --> 31:51.359 Go on .