tantrum every day about me, talking about things and everything he's saying is not true. donald trump is running i for his issues, nikki haley is running for her donors' issues. i am running for your issues and your families' issues. and to turn this country around. good evening, there are just four days of campaigning left, before the polls open in iowa. and tonight, a make of break moment for nikki haley and ron desantis. the two will face off in de moines for the final presidential republican debate. maybe a chance to change the dynamics of the race. donald trump, still 30 points ahead, doesn't need to be there of course. and again he is skipping the debate tonight, in favour a town hall with fox news. but right now, nikki haley is riding a wave of momentum. a new cnn poll out yesterday

suggests the gap in new hampshire, which comes next, was down to just seven points. quite the shift since november. which perhaps explains why both trump and de santis are sharpening their attacks. they are endorsing nikki haley, who does not have what it takes, by the way, i'm just telling you. i spent a lot of time with her. she does not have... i hope you enjoyed her, with her little quips, like how did the civil war start? what was that... 7 "well, it had to do with the government." no, it was slavery. i never questioned her on that, i never wanted to pile on. nikki haley is running for her donors' issues, i am running for your issues and your families' issues and to turn this country around. here to discuss all of her issues tonight bronwen maddox chief executive director of chatham house and bryan lanza chief us republican strategists. welcome. bryan lets

start with you because i know you will be in iowa on monday. given the state of the race, there might be people wondering tonight whether we should be tuning in to this debate. what is at stake here?— should be tuning in to this debate. what is at stake here? second place. that is what — what is at stake here? second place. that is what the _ what is at stake here? second place. that is what the debate _ what is at stake here? second place. that is what the debate tonight - what is at stake here? second place. that is what the debate tonight is - that is what the debate tonight is all about— that is what the debate tonight is all about second place, who can get in second _ all about second place, who can get in second place in iowa. i think if nikki _ in second place in iowa. i think if nikki haley— in second place in iowa. i think if nikki haley gets a second place in iowa there is a narrative and story of her_ iowa there is a narrative and story of her coming out of iowa having achieved — of her coming out of iowa having achieved second place, that is a genuine — achieved second place, that is a genuine public interest story as opposed — genuine public interest story as opposed to ron desantis who get second _ opposed to ron desantis who get second place, everyone expects it. so i second place, everyone expects it. so i think— second place, everyone expects it. so i think nikki more than he was fighting _ so i think nikki more than he was fighting for second place because will change the dynamics of the race _ will change the dynamics of the race. ., , will change the dynamics of the race. . , . ,., race. that is the weird thing about this phrase- _ race. that is the weird thing about this phrase. that _ they have two candidates running for second. there will be a lot of people who don't understand how they will overcome donald trump if they will overcome donald trump if they will tell people why, in their view, he's unfit for office. i’m will tell people why, in their view, he's unfit for office.— he's unfit for office. i'm sure they are auoin he's unfit for office. i'm sure they are going to _ he's unfit for office. i'm sure they are going to do — he's unfit for office. i'm sure they are going to do that _ he's unfit for office. i'm sure they are going to do that and - he's unfit for office. i'm sure they are going to do that and so - are going to do that and so incidentally. d0 are going to do that and so incidentally.— are going to do that and so incidentall . , ., ~' , incidentally. do you think they will because i think _

incidentally. do you think they will because i think they _ incidentally. do you think they will because i think they have - incidentally. do you think they will because i think they have been - because i think they have been disinclined so far. they are on the broadsides that you would expect on a normal election.— broadsides that you would expect on a normal election. some of what you have 'ust a normal election. some of what you have just been _ a normal election. some of what you have just been playing _ a normal election. some of what you have just been playing in _ a normal election. some of what you have just been playing in the - a normal election. some of what you have just been playing in the ads - have just been playing in the ads that you're worming us up with. second place injanuary of this extraordinary year is worth quite a bit if you are in that game of trying to be the republican nomination than there are a lot of things that can happen to donald trump between now and the nomination. one is that he could go further ahead in polls and that all of the encouragement because of court cases just beginning many court cases just beginning many court cases just beginning many court cases that that could help him. but it may not and it is going to give republicans a lot of reason to give republicans a lot of reason to think about who they are going to be back in my view it is worth for vying for second place because that has the chance of becoming first. there are massive snow storms blowing through iowa right now, sub zero temperatures which will make it harder to get

to the caucuses on monday. what effect will that have on turnout? not that haley is giving people an excuse not to turn up. she was telling people, don't blame me if you don't take part on monday. let's talk to someone in iowa. live now to our news reporter bernd debusmann. thank you very much for being with us. what do you think is at stake tonight and how many people in iowa are on the side are going to be tuning in? i are on the side are going to be tuning in?— are on the side are going to be tunin: in? ~ , . are on the side are going to be tunin: in? ~' , . . tuning in? i think they are quite a few people _ tuning in? i think they are quite a few people that — tuning in? i think they are quite a few people that are _ tuning in? i think they are quite a few people that are still - tuning in? i think they are quite a l few people that are still undecided but as your guest has said, this is about the race for second place in what a strong showing here could mean for mr desantis in new hampshire. mrtrump mean for mr desantis in new hampshire. mr trump has a very commanding lead so it could be very hard for there to be any real surprises in terms of the eventual outcome but a strong showing here particularly for mr desantis or ms. haley could propel them to new hampshire and they hope to breathe some life into their campaign. i was

there back in _ some life into their campaign. i was there back in 2020 _ some life into their campaign. i was there back in 2020 and _ some life into their campaign. i was there back in 2020 and i _ some life into their campaign. i was there back in 2020 and i love - some life into their campaign. i was there back in 2020 and i love to go to iowa and to the caucuses in the barnes and front rooms and speaking to the caucus captains. what did the last few days of campaigning look like, how frenzied has it been? it has been quite busy recently, all three of the main candidates have had quite a few events in the last few days and this weekend, donald trump in particular starting this week, he has a dizzying array of different offence that seems to be very popular. they are expecting several hundred people at these events which are notably larger than mr desantis and ms. haley. and it is hard to escape here because even on the airways and operates in local papers there seems to be quite of lost minutes of sniping and job some of which we heard at the outset of the programme but it certainly seems very intense both in terms of events and in terms of the activities for candidates. it and in terms of the activities for candidates-— candidates. it looks pretty cold where you _ candidates. it looks pretty cold where you are. _ candidates. it looks pretty cold where you are. i _ candidates. it looks pretty cold where you are. i impressed - candidates. it looks pretty cold| where you are. i impressed you candidates. it looks pretty cold - where you are. i impressed you are out there in a suit and tie. what if

it does affect turnout, who might that benefit if there is a lower turnout than expected? is actually frozen. he has frozen solid. bryan lanza, answer that for me. you are in tune on what happens in iowa. if people do not show, does it benefit donald trump more than the others? yes, absolutely. ithink donald trump more than the others? yes, absolutely. i think you have to think— yes, absolutely. i think you have to think about — yes, absolutely. i think you have to think about his supporters are the most _ think about his supporters are the most rabid — think about his supporters are the most rabid supporters and they have a history— most rabid supporters and they have a history of— most rabid supporters and they have a history of showing up at caucuses and this— a history of showing up at caucuses and this will— a history of showing up at caucuses and this will be the third time they have shown a back caucuses but the enthusiasm — have shown a back caucuses but the enthusiasm of trump supporters are stronger— enthusiasm of trump supporters are stronger than anyone also in bad weather, — stronger than anyone also in bad weather, bad weather tends to favour trump _ weather, bad weather tends to favour trump significantly and warmer weather— trump significantly and warmer weather and more comfortable weather makes _ weather and more comfortable weather makes it _ weather and more comfortable weather makes it possible for a broader universal— makes it possible for a broader universal voters to come out for the storms— universal voters to come out for the storms will— universal voters to come out for the storms will be expected in the storm is what _ storms will be expected in the storm is what we _ storms will be expected in the storm is what we get, that is iowa. that

line that nikki — is what we get, that is iowa. that line that nikki haley _ is what we get, that is iowa. trisgt line that nikki haley gave at the end of her caucusing yesterday, campaigning yesterday, she said don't complain about what happens in a general election if you don't play at this caucus and it matters because i think that is her strongest line of attack will stop if you look at the polling in new hampshire, the voters were back in kerr are the moderates and independents and they are the constituents, that will make a difference in the general election in november.— difference in the general election in november. that's exactly right. so she wants _ in november. that's exactly right. so she wants some _ in november. that's exactly right. so she wants some of— in november. that's exactly right. so she wants some of those - in november. that's exactly right. | so she wants some of those people in november. that's exactly right. - so she wants some of those people to come out in iowa. the weather is always a factor but i have never been at the iowa caucuses when it was not having some kind of storm. that is part of the drama of it. as is the very unique nature of the caucuses of people gathering as we were discussing in front rooms and town halls and rushing from side to side persuading each other and whatever. so you get the sense of politics in action and a live debate and she wants her people in there and she wants her people in there and those are more moderate voices.

so in a way it is hartford donald trump not to gain for the whole procedures in iowa unless a lot of nikki haley supporters turnout. but she is still making the argument in iowa that they will carry through to some of the other races in new hampshire. some of the other races in new hampshire-— some of the other races in new hampshire. some of the other races in new hamshire. �* , . , ., hampshire. bryan, give us a bit of colour of being _ hampshire. bryan, give us a bit of colour of being up _ hampshire. bryan, give us a bit of colour of being up there. - hampshire. bryan, give us a bit of colour of being up there. when i hampshire. bryan, give us a bit of| colour of being up there. when you go into these caucuses, how much do the polls matter or does become dependent on the caucus captains, the people that organise caucuses in pull people in? the the people that organise caucuses in pull people in?— pull people in? the caucus captain -la s a pull people in? the caucus captain plays a very _ pull people in? the caucus captain plays a very strong _ pull people in? the caucus captain plays a very strong role _ pull people in? the caucus captain plays a very strong role in we - pull people in? the caucus captainj plays a very strong role in we have seen _ plays a very strong role in we have seen it _ plays a very strong role in we have seen it a _ plays a very strong role in we have seen it a strong caucus captain can shift where — seen it a strong caucus captain can shift where the support is and can keep— shift where the support is and can keep the — shift where the support is and can keep the support unified. it matters a lot and _ keep the support unified. it matters a lot and that is why organisation matters~ — a lot and that is why organisation matters. you see the trump campaign and desantis campaign have dedicated and desantis campaign have dedicated a tremendous amount of organisation in iowa _ a tremendous amount of organisation in iowa and _ a tremendous amount of organisation in iowa and they hope that it plays out in _ in iowa and they hope that it plays out in history shows us that it does matter— out in history shows us that it does matter and — out in history shows us that it does matter and it will play out. just

out in history shows us that it does matter and it will play out.- matter and it will play out. just on chris christie _ matter and it will play out. just on chris christie who _ matter and it will play out. just on chris christie who is _ matter and it will play out. just on chris christie who is not _ matter and it will play out. just on chris christie who is not pulling i chris christie who is not pulling that well in new hampshire at the moment there is a lot of pressure on him including from the government who was backing nikki haley to pull out and coalesce behind nikki haley, what difference do you think that would make to the race if he did that? ., , , ., , ., that? probably none. chris, we have talked about — that? probably none. chris, we have talked about sharp _ that? probably none. chris, we have talked about sharp elbows _ that? probably none. chris, we have talked about sharp elbows this - talked about sharp elbows this campaign season. chris christie is from _ campaign season. chris christie is from the — campaign season. chris christie is from the sharpest punches of anybody and has _ from the sharpest punches of anybody and has very antagonistic in your face and — and has very antagonistic in your face and has not carried any favour with republican voters. republican voters _ with republican voters. republican voters rejected that type of behaviour. so chris probably is sitting — behaviour. so chris probably is sitting on— behaviour. so chris probably is sitting on 5%, that is marginal in new— sitting on 5%, that is marginal in new hampshire. and at the end of the day, chris— new hampshire. and at the end of the day, chris is— new hampshire. and at the end of the day, chris is not an impact in this primary— day, chris is not an impact in this primary race _ day, chris is not an impact in this primary race and he like we have an impact _ primary race and he like we have an impact with— primary race and he like we have an impact with any endorsement. this is not his— impact with any endorsement. this is not his time — impact with any endorsement. this is not his time. on impact with any endorsement. this is rrot his time-— not his time. on the other side of the ledger. _ not his time. on the other side of the ledger, bronwen _ not his time. on the other side of the ledger, bronwen maddox, - not his time. on the other side of. the ledger, bronwen maddox, some not his time. on the other side of- the ledger, bronwen maddox, some new pulling out in michigan today which is a key swing state. this is a state—wide poll commissioned by detroit news and it has president

biden at note eight points behind donald trump in the hypothetical head—to—head. 47% likely voters said they would prefer the republican, 39% biden and only 11% saying the undecided and that is the reason why former president barack obama is ringing the alarm bells. american voters are not single issue voters. and here isjoe biden saying, this is, donald trump rerun is a threat to democracy. there needs to be something else, doesn't there? that is one of the — something else, doesn't there? that is one of the strongest cards he has got. is when people like donald trump —— do not like him, they really do not like him. and they see the threat, muchjustified in my view. in the other hand, joe biden is a weak candidate for the democrats and there is no getting around it and it is very late in the day to consider any kind of change, him stepping down, for example. i

think it is essentially too late for that. you can see why barack obama and other response to everything that they can to make the most of the weaknesses of the other side given the conspicuous weaknesses on the democrat side. that given the conspicuous weaknesses on the democrat side.— the democrat side. that is the point that democrats _ the democrat side. that is the point that democrats would _ the democrat side. that is the point that democrats would make, - the democrat side. that is the point that democrats would make, look, l that democrats would make, look, when it becomes a true head—to—head, the constituency that is drifted away from president biden, young people, i think now 14% in 2020 and the african—americans and when they go to the polling stations and look at the two names in front of them they will come back to the democrats.— they will come back to the democrats. , . . , . democrats. they certainly hope and that is the message _ democrats. they certainly hope and that is the message they _ democrats. they certainly hope and that is the message they will - democrats. they certainly hope and that is the message they will try - democrats. they certainly hope and that is the message they will try to | that is the message they will try to portray but i think the train has left _ portray but i think the train has left the — portray but i think the train has left. the reason that donald trump is appealing to young african—american and hispanic voters is economics — african—american and hispanic voters is economics. they remember the trump _ is economics. they remember the trump economy from 2060—2020 when there was— trump economy from 2060—2020 when there was a _ trump economy from 2060—2020 when there was a lot more disposable income — there was a lot more disposable income and things were running smooth — income and things were running smooth and i think it boils down to these _ smooth and i think it boils down to these voters, more than anything it is not _ these voters, more than anything it is not that— these voters, more than anything it is not that they will turn out and

vote _ is not that they will turn out and vote and — is not that they will turn out and vote and help joe is not that they will turn out and vote and helpjoe biden and his coalition— vote and helpjoe biden and his coalition reviewed and geared towards — coalition reviewed and geared towards president trump. they will probably— towards president trump. they will probably not turn out a law which hurts _ probably not turn out a law which hurts democrats because there is no enthusiasm — hurts democrats because there is no enthusiasm among the young people, among _ enthusiasm among the young people, among latinos, african—americans withjoe _ among latinos, african—americans withjoe biden and the democratic party— withjoe biden and the democratic party so— withjoe biden and the democratic party so that it's not the threat that they— party so that it's not the threat that they will go to trump, some will, _ that they will go to trump, some will, but — that they will go to trump, some will, but the vast majority will stay _ will, but the vast majority will stay home. that will have a huge impact _ stay home. that will have a huge impact on — stay home. that will have a huge impact on races all up and down particularly in the united states. of course — particularly in the united states. of course will bring you all of reaction to that last presidential debate tomorrow. i'm sure there will be a royal ding—dong today as they try to make some headway in the polls. we will go to a short break. stay with us. you are watching bbc news. let's look at some other stories making news. the london to birmingham stretch of the now—truncated hs2 railway could cost as much as £66 billion alone. that's almost twice as much as the original estimate for the entire project. the hs2 ltd executive chair said reasons for the cost increase include original budgets being too low, changes to scope, poor delivery and inflation.

the parents of a british tourist who died after a helicopter crash in the grand canyon are to receive a £79 million payout. 31—year—old jonathan oodall was one of five britons, including his new wife, who died after the aircraft crashed and burst into flames in february 2018. a lawsuit brought by his parents said he could have survived had the helicopter been fitted with systems to help prevent the fire. the actor, stephen fry, has called for an end to the use of real fur in the bearskin caps worn by the king's guard on duties such as guarding buckingham palace. he is backing an animal welfare campaign calling for them to be made with artificial fur instead. you're live with bbc news. a two—day hearing begins tomorrow at the international court ofjustice in the hague, into the genocide case brought by south africa against israel. the court is part of the un, it often rules on territorial disputes, but there have been cases involving genocide allegations, more recently against russia

and against myanmar. the south africans are asking the court to issue provisional measures ordering ceasefire. israel will defend themselves, reversing a decades—old policy of boycotting the court and its 15 elected judges. let's speak to toby cadman. he is a barrister and international lawyer. good heavy with us on the programme. the israelis, the israeli government has called this a blood libel and they have accused the south africans of siding with a prescribed terrorist group, hamas. but they are not taking this lightly. they have assembled quite an astute group of lawyers to defend them.— lawyers to defend them. that's ri . ht. lawyers to defend them. that's right- they _ lawyers to defend them. that's right. they have _ lawyers to defend them. that's right. they have to _ lawyers to defend them. that's right. they have to take - lawyers to defend them. that's right. they have to take it - right. they have to take it seriously. this is the international court ofjustice, the highest international court. and this is a very serious and very credible

allegation so they do have to take it very seriously. we do know that obviously they have not embarked on what has been called a propaganda campaign to gather support but certainly they are engaging in the process which i think it's important. process which i think it's important-— process which i think it's imortant. , ~ important. why is south africa leadinu important. why is south africa leading this — important. why is south africa leading this charge? _ important. why is south africa leading this charge? south - important. why is south africa i leading this charge? south africa has for a very _ leading this charge? south africa has for a very long _ leading this charge? south africa has for a very long times - leading this charge? south africa has for a very long times taking i leading this charge? south africa | has for a very long times taking a strong position on the unlawful occupation of what is called a system of apartheid, south africa obviously has a history of apartheid and since the 7th of october they've taken a very strong position in rallying international support. as a state party, member of the genocide convention, they have a right, one would argue they have a duty to bring such a claim and i think it is right that they do so.— right that they do so. there is a substantive, _ right that they do so. there is a substantive, tightly _ right that they do so. there is a substantive, tightly argued, - right that they do so. there is a substantive, tightly argued, 18| right that they do so. there is a - substantive, tightly argued, 18 page document that has been put into

court with all sorts of purpose and senior un officials and reports from the ground. have you managed to see elements of it, how convincing is this south african argument? i have read it. ithink— this south african argument? i have read it. i think it _ this south african argument? i have read it. i think it is _ this south african argument? i have read it. i think it is very _ this south african argument? i have read it. i think it is very well- read it. i think it is very well argued. the south african team has assembled a very strong team of recognised international experts who will be presenting their case tomorrow. they have referred to both the military conduct but also statements of state officials. as we have seen quite often with proceedings of the international court ofjustice, a heavy reliance on un reports. we have to be mindful of the fact that what we are dealing with now is just provisional measures. it is not the full merits of the case. that will come much later. bronwen maddox let me bring you in on this. i think we should know that there are people inside israel, some seniorformer there are people inside israel, some senior former officials that who

have written to the attorney general asking that action be taken against public officials, elected officials who have called for ethnic cleansing. and there are legitimate concerns within israel that that sort of language has been used and is being used more often by the far right. is being used more often by the far riuht. ., is being used more often by the far riuht. . . ., ., , right. there are a lot of use within israel, right. there are a lot of use within lsrael. given _ right. there are a lot of use within israel, given that _ right. there are a lot of use within israel, given that the _ right. there are a lot of use within israel, given that the nation - right. there are a lot of use within israel, given that the nation is - israel, given that the nation is united — israel, given that the nation is united in— israel, given that the nation is united in shock, _ israel, given that the nation is united in shock, still, - israel, given that the nation is united in shock, still, at - israel, given that the nation is united in shock, still, at the l united in shock, still, at the horrors _ united in shock, still, at the horrors of— united in shock, still, at the horrors of october- united in shock, still, at the horrors of october the - united in shock, still, at the horrors of october the 7th l united in shock, still, at the . horrors of october the 7th after united in shock, still, at the - horrors of october the 7th after you say that, _ horrors of october the 7th after you say that, there _ horrors of october the 7th after you say that, there is _ horrors of october the 7th after you say that, there is a _ horrors of october the 7th after you say that, there is a huge _ horrors of october the 7th after you say that, there is a huge range - horrors of october the 7th after you say that, there is a huge range of. say that, there is a huge range of opinion — say that, there is a huge range of opinion and _ say that, there is a huge range of opinion. and was— say that, there is a huge range of opinion. and was before - say that, there is a huge range of opinion. and was before the - say that, there is a huge range of. opinion. and was before the attacks by hamas~ — opinion. and was before the attacks by hamas~ and _ opinion. and was before the attacks by hamas. and you _ opinion. and was before the attacks by hamas. and you do _ opinion. and was before the attacks by hamas. and you do have - opinion. and was before the attacks by hamas. and you do have many. by hamas. and you do have many saying _ by hamas. and you do have many saying that — by hamas. and you do have many saying that there _ by hamas. and you do have many saying that there needs _ by hamas. and you do have many saying that there needs to - by hamas. and you do have many saying that there needs to be - saying that there needs to be some kind of— saying that there needs to be some kind of solution _ saying that there needs to be some kind of solution settlement - saying that there needs to be some kind of solution settlement with - saying that there needs to be some| kind of solution settlement with the palestinians. — kind of solution settlement with the palestinians, many— kind of solution settlement with the palestinians, many are _ kind of solution settlement with the palestinians, many are calling - kind of solution settlement with the palestinians, many are calling for. palestinians, many are calling for the cessation _ palestinians, many are calling for the cessation of _ palestinians, many are calling for the cessation of the _ palestinians, many are calling for the cessation of the israeli - the cessation of the israeli military— the cessation of the israeli military action _ the cessation of the israeli military action in - the cessation of the israeli military action in gaza. - the cessation of the israeli military action in gaza. all| the cessation of the israeli - military action in gaza. all kinds of abuse — military action in gaza. all kinds of abuse there, _ military action in gaza. all kinds of abuse there, but _ military action in gaza. all kinds of abuse there, but a _ military action in gaza. all kinds of abuse there, but a lot - military action in gaza. all kinds of abuse there, but a lot of - military action in gaza. all kinds . of abuse there, but a lot of concern for also _ of abuse there, but a lot of concern for also about — of abuse there, but a lot of concern for also about the _ of abuse there, but a lot of concern for also about the expulsion - of abuse there, but a lot of concern for also about the expulsion of the i for also about the expulsion of the palestinians— for also about the expulsion of the palestinians from _ for also about the expulsion of the palestinians from gaza _

for also about the expulsion of the palestinians from gaza and - for also about the expulsion of the palestinians from gaza and indeedj palestinians from gaza and indeed from the _ palestinians from gaza and indeed from the west _ palestinians from gaza and indeed from the west bank, _ palestinians from gaza and indeed from the west bank, if— palestinians from gaza and indeed from the west bank, if that - palestinians from gaza and indeed from the west bank, if that is - palestinians from gaza and indeed from the west bank, if that is part of the _ from the west bank, if that is part of the strategy— from the west bank, if that is part of the strategy of _ from the west bank, if that is part of the strategy of some _ from the west bank, if that is part of the strategy of some senior - of the strategy of some senior politicians _ of the strategy of some senior politicians-— of the strategy of some senior oliticians. �* ,~ ., . , , politicians. bryan, not much support amon: politicians. bryan, not much support among western _ politicians. bryan, not much support among western governments - politicians. bryan, not much support i among western governments although jeremy corbyn is supporting the south african case. some have pointed to the hypocrisy of the united states and uk, you have brought similar cases to the court in respect to myanmar. i brought similar cases to the court in respect to myanmar.— brought similar cases to the court in respect to myanmar. i think the us and uk — in respect to myanmar. i think the us and uk look— in respect to myanmar. i think the us and uk look as _ in respect to myanmar. i think the us and uk look as its _ in respect to myanmar. i think the us and uk look as its policies - in respect to myanmar. i think the us and uk look as its policies as l us and uk look as its policies as its own— us and uk look as its policies as its own separate stand—alone policy and south _ its own separate stand—alone policy and south africa to other countries because _ and south africa to other countries because its — and south africa to other countries because its strategic importance to us in _ because its strategic importance to us in the _ because its strategic importance to us in the region and because of the time when — us in the region and because of the time when we cited is a real early on when — time when we cited is a real early on when it— time when we cited is a real early on when it was a beacon of democracy in the _ on when it was a beacon of democracy in the region — on when it was a beacon of democracy in the region. so the complaints will always be there and they have to take _ will always be there and they have to take it — will always be there and they have to take it serious, but at the end of the _ to take it serious, but at the end of the day— to take it serious, but at the end of the day we are in this particular situation — of the day we are in this particular situation because israel was attacked. unprovoked, violently, viciously — attacked. unprovoked, violently, viciously and that should not the

loss of— viciously and that should not the loss of this discussion and people work— loss of this discussion and people work hard — loss of this discussion and people work hard to make sure that gets lost _ work hard to make sure that gets lost. ., , ., work hard to make sure that gets lost. . , . . lost. that is an important point that the israeli _ lost. that is an important point that the israeli government - lost. that is an important point i that the israeli government would quite obviously prefer to, the attack on october the 7th as a genocidal attack and hamas have made it clear, in the past, they are working for the total destruction of israel. how strong is the israeli defence that you have looked at? it is going to be a very difficult case for israel to defend. certainly, we must not lose sight on the 7th of october. it is very important. i don't get us what to say it was unprovoked. we have heard the un secretary—general referring, we need to look at things in context. the difficulty that israel will have when they rely on self—defense, certainly, the international court ofjustice has already ruled in a previous case against israel in terms of whether it can rely on self defence when it is an occupying power. but the question will be, the

proportionality. and the rhetoric that we have seen. as you've mentioned, from the israeli state officials, calling for a complete devastation of gaza. we have even heard the israeli ambassador to the united kingdom using such appalling language so i think that is going to be very, very difficult for them to walk away from. just be very, very difficult for them to walk away from.— be very, very difficult for them to walk away from. just very quickly, there is some _ walk away from. just very quickly, there is some distinction - walk away from. just very quickly, there is some distinction between j there is some distinction between there is some distinction between the rq there is some distinction between the icj and the icc. does a ruling that the rq the icj and the icc. does a ruling that the icj influence whether the icc picks it up? idat that the icj influence whether the lcc picks it up?— icc picks it up? not necessarily because the — icc picks it up? not necessarily because the two _ icc picks it up? not necessarily because the two assessments. icc picks it up? not necessarily i because the two assessments are very, very different. so with the rq very, very different. so with the icj will be looking for is a state responsibility under the genocide convection what the international criminal court ultimately look at it as individual criminal responsibility for war crimes, crimes against humidity and acts of genocide. if you have a finding of genocide. if you have a finding of genocide by the international court ofjustice that is of course going

to influence whether you bring charges of genocide against israeli officials. but that you are very separate. often confuse, but they have two be considered very separately. have two be considered very separately-— have two be considered very searatel . . ,, , . separately. thank you very much indeed for _ separately. thank you very much indeed for that. _ well, on the ground, us secretary of state antony blinken held talks today with the palestinian president mahmoud abbas as israel continues its offensive in gaza. with concerns about the regional spill—over still the main focus. last night's attacks in the red sea by the yemen based houthis illustrated the threat that exists. us and uk navalforces shot down 21 drones and missiles that was launched by the iran—backed group. this afternoon the british defence secretary grant schapps put the houthis on notice. last night, hms diamond amongst a number of other us ships were involved shooting down a barrage of missiles and drones. hms diamond shot down seven drones. remember, this is not usual. it was over three decades

until couple of weeks ago that the royal navy had not fired anything down in anger and we cannot have a situation where a major sea route, a major ability to move goods around the world is being cut off by terrorists and thugs and we therefore must act. what are the options open to the defence secretaries? aha, what are the options open to the defence secretaries?— what are the options open to the defence secretaries? a very good cuestion. defence secretaries? a very good question- a _ defence secretaries? a very good question. a question _ defence secretaries? a very good question. a question underlying i defence secretaries? a very good i question. a question underlying all of this is how far does iran who backed these particular rebels, want to go, doesn't want an escalation doesn't want to use his influence to doesn't want to use his influence to do so it's notjust a question of retaliation against these particular attacks, it is a question of how much britain and others can deter those encouraging the houthi rebels to keep doing this. just those encouraging the houthi rebels to keep doing this.— to keep doing this. just a word on our to keep doing this. just a word on your defence _ to keep doing this. just a word on your defence secretary, - to keep doing this. just a word on your defence secretary, lloyd - your defence secretary, lloyd austin, some news in the last few minutes. from the hospital. the defence secretary remains at the walter reed military centre where of course he has had treatment for prostate cancer. he is conducting

affairs, he is speaking to people within the pentagon. we don't have a specific date for his release, are you concerned about the way that has been handled?— been handled? yes, i am concerned about the transparency. _ been handled? yes, i am concerned about the transparency. we - been handled? yes, i am concerned about the transparency. we have i been handled? yes, i am concerned i about the transparency. we have four in the _ about the transparency. we have four in the middle east, war in ukraine and i_ in the middle east, war in ukraine and i don't— in the middle east, war in ukraine and i don't want to be someone who jumps _ and i don't want to be someone who jumps on _ and i don't want to be someone who jumps on criticism just because we are in— jumps on criticism just because we are in a _ jumps on criticism just because we are in a state of criticism in washington, dc, but from an outside observer, _ washington, dc, but from an outside observer, it— washington, dc, but from an outside observer, it is a problem that the president — observer, it is a problem that the president of the united states did not know— president of the united states did not know that the defence secretary was going _ not know that the defence secretary was going in for cancer treatment, much _ was going in for cancer treatment, much less— was going in for cancer treatment, much less was going under general anaesthesia. that is not the way we should _ anaesthesia. that is not the way we should operate, he has gotten serious — should operate, he has gotten serious questions answered. actually question— serious questions answered. actually question his ability to lead the department after this episode. i was never— department after this episode. i was never critical of him before, but it isjust— never critical of him before, but it isjust a _ never critical of him before, but it isjust a dumb never critical of him before, but it is just a dumb thing to never critical of him before, but it isjust a dumb thing to do never critical of him before, but it is just a dumb thing to do at this point _ isjust a dumb thing to do at this oint. , ., �* , isjust a dumb thing to do at this oint. , . �* , ., , , isjust a dumb thing to do at this oint. . ~, point. general austin obviously has a workin: point. general austin obviously has a working relationship _ point. general austin obviously has a working relationship with - point. general austin obviously has a working relationship with grant i a working relationship with grant shapps, has there been any reaction on the site on what has unfolded in his absence from his seat? teaming

on his absence _ his absence from his seat? teaming on his absence from _ his absence from his seat? teaming on his absence from his _ his absence from his seat? teaming on his absence from his scene? - his absence from his seat? teamingi on his absence from his scene? know there has been polite and sympathetic silence while a bit of concern but there are plenty of layers of contact underneath that in the tradition in britain is not, there was a lot of coverage of the borisjohnson there was a lot of coverage of the boris johnson state there was a lot of coverage of the borisjohnson state of health when she was ill with covid and intensive care and so on. this is a country that has not turned as much as a spotlight on the minute by minute health of key personnel as the us, which the wall streetjournal are trying out, covered on the front page. if my memory serves correct. a lot of formal trips purity about the state of key officials health. i think there is a bit more of quietness hear about it. other than the top person in times. so there's plenty of contact between the two defence ministries. stand plenty of contact between the two defence ministries.— defence ministries. and between senior people- — defence ministries. and between senior people. briefly, _ defence ministries. and between

senior people. briefly, bryan, i defence ministries. and between senior people. briefly, bryan, in| senior people. briefly, bryan, in terms of acting, from an americans perspective that would be in yemen, what it? would it be within yemen, they would not take on iran directly? i they would not take on iran directl ? ~ they would not take on iran directly?— they would not take on iran directl ? ~ , . ., directly? i think this initiation would be safe _ directly? i think this initiation would be safe to _ directly? i think this initiation would be safe to say - directly? i think this initiation would be safe to say it - directly? i think this initiation would be safe to say it would| directly? i think this initiation i would be safe to say it would be directly? i think this initiation - would be safe to say it would be in yemen _ would be safe to say it would be in yemen but — would be safe to say it would be in yemen but the serious act and the serious actor is iran so it is hard to ignore — serious actor is iran so it is hard to ignore all— serious actor is iran so it is hard to ignore all of these confrontations here and there without — confrontations here and there without looking at iran try to disrupt— without looking at iran try to disrupt world trade routes, that is 10% of— disrupt world trade routes, that is 10% of our— disrupt world trade routes, that is 10% of our world trade that they are playing _ 10% of our world trade that they are playing with it we have to take this seriously — playing with it we have to take this seriousl . ~ �* ., ~ playing with it we have to take this seriousl . ~ �* . ,, , , ., ., seriously. we'll talk plenty more on that when we _ seriously. we'll talk plenty more on that when we come _ seriously. we'll talk plenty more on that when we come back _ seriously. we'll talk plenty more on that when we come back from - seriously. we'll talk plenty more on that when we come back from the l that when we come back from the short break. stay with us. hello there. it's been another very cold day wherever you are, whether you've had sunshine or whether you've had clouds, and it looks pretty similar for the next few days, could see a bit more cloud around generally. it will stay dry thanks to high pressure. and there will be some sunshine around, particularly towards southern and western areas. this area of high pressure has been feeding in quite a bit of cloud to eastern scotland, also eastern parts of

england, the odd patch of drizzle at times too. the breeze is still a feature along north sea coast, but not as strong across southern areas as we head through this evening and overnight. where we have the clear skies it's going to be a cold one. central, northern, western scotland, southern england could be down to —3 to —5 celsius here, but a little less cold where we have the cloud. so tomorrow then we start off with some cloud across some eastern areas. again, eastern england seeing most of that cloud, it could run a little bit further southwards into south east england into the afternoon. so the best of the sunshine towards this southwest corner, maybe northern ireland and plenty of sunshine across scotland after a cold start there with some early mist and fog. temperatures maybe up a degree, eight degrees, but it certainly won't feel like that. then as we move through thursday nights, we see plenty of cloud feeding into england and wales, clearer spells across scotland, northern ireland. so it's here where we'll see the lowest — the temperatures could be down to —7 celsius. and there's also a threat of some dense fog patches developing as the winds will be lighter here,

but less cold further south where we have the cloud. our area of high pressure shifts a little bit a bit further westwards. it does allow a lot of cloud around for central, southern and eastern parts of the country. certainly rather cloudy for england and wales, could be quite gloomy all day in places best the sunshine scotland, maybe northern ireland, far north of england later in the day, maybe parts of wales too. but cold here after the very cold start, a little less cold further south and east because of more cloud cover. then as we head into the weekend, although southern areas will see quite a bit of sunshine, we'll start to open the floodgate to an arctic northerly and that will start to feed in plenty of snow showers to the northern half of scotland. accumulations really mounting up by the end of the weekend here, but it'll be largely dry, i think, cold with some sunshine across most central and southern parts of the country. we hold onto the cold weather into next week as well. further snow showers in the north and there's just the chance of some more widespread snow developing across central and southern areas around the middle part of the week. so stay tuned to the forecast with uncertainty on this.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. ajudge in new york has refused to allow former us president donald trump to deliver the closing arguments in his trialforfraud. welcome back. last month there

were a record number of migrants processed at the united states southern border, and last year almost 2.5 million people were apprehended. house republicans intend to make that the focus of the 2024 campaign. and today they moved closer to impeaching the secretary will of homeland security alejandro mayorkas. impeaching a cabinet official is rare but they accuse mr mayorkas of failing to enforce us laws at the border, and therefore a "dereliction of duty". brya n bryan la nza, bryan lanza, can you impeach someone for policies _ bryan lanza, can you impeach someone for policies you don't like? you can impeach _ for policies you don't like? you can impeach somebody for failing to uphold — impeach somebody for failing to uphold the constitution of the united — uphold the constitution of the united states? i thinkjoe biden

hits his — united states? i thinkjoe biden hits his policies, he is now