c-span's washington journal. join the conversation live at 7:00 eastern wednesday morning on c-span, c-span now, or online at c-span.org. announcer: wednesday morning the senate foreign relations committee held a confirmation hearing for the next u.s. ambassador to isra he is expected to take questions onhe war and how the u.s. can help support a long-term strategy in the region. he previously ses treasury secretary during the obama administration. watch the hearing life beginning at 1 easterne free c-span now video app or online at c-span.org. announcer: c-span is your unfiltered view of government. we are funded by these television companies and more, including comcast. >> you think this is just a community center? no. it's way more than that.

comcast is partnering with 1000 community centers to create wi-fi enabled -- so you can get the tools you need. announcer: comcast supports c-span as public service along with these other television providers, giving you a front row seat to democracy. announcer: deputy press secretary sabrina singh took questions from reporters on the israel/hamas war including an alleged israeli airstrike on a hospital in gaza the more than 500 people. she also discusses newly declassified images and videos of chinese military actions against u.s. aircraft in international airspace. from the pentagon, this is just under one hour. ms. singh: right. ok. hi, everyone. good afternoon. i'd like to introduce admiral john c. aquilino, commander united states, indo pacific

command, and doctor eli ratner, assistant secretary of defense for indo pacific security affairs. they will brief you on some newly declassified images and videos of coercive and risky p.l.a. operational behavior over the last year or so against u.s. aircraft operating lawfully in international airspace in the east and south china sea regions. we will release these videos and images later this afternoon. and with that, i'll turn over to dr. ratner. dr. ratner: ok, great. good afternoon, everyone. i would like to take this opportunity today to speak about the newly declassified pictures and videos shared by the department today that depicts the p.l.a. sharp increase in risky and operational behavior in the east and south china seas. and in particular i would like to discuss why it represents such a significant concern. as many of you know, every year for over 20 years it appear more -- the department of defense has

released the china military power report. it is an important document because it is the department's authoritative public assessment of the p.l.a. and role it plays in helping to realize beijing's broader ambitions. this year's report will be out soon, and taken together with today's announcements, it represents the most comprehensive depiction to date of this highly concerning behavior by the p.l.a. last year's c.m.p.r. noted that p.l.a. fighter jets were increasingly engaging in risky and coercive behavior, this

year's provides a much-clearer estimate of that disturbing trend. specifically since the fall of 2021, we have seen more than 180 such incidents, more in the past two years than in the decade before that. that's nearly 100 cases where p.l.a. operators have performed reckless maneuvers discharged or shot off flares or approached too rapidly or too close to u.s. aircraft. all is part of trying to interfere with the ability of u.s. forces to operate safely in places where we and every country in the world have every right to be under international law. and when you take into account cases of coercive and risky p.l.a. intercepts against other states the number increases to nearly 300 cases against u.s. ally and partner aircraft over the last two years. let me take a moment to explain why this matters so much from our perspective. for decades, the united states has operated in the region, safely, responsibly, and in accordance with international law, and we'll continue to do so. our allies and partners welcome our military presence because it advances our shared vision for a free and open indo-pacific. this vision, which secretary austin described at the shangri-la dialogue this year, is characterized by respect for

sovereignty, adherence to international law, belief in transparency and openness, freedom of commerce and navigation, equal rights for all states and the resolution of disputes through peaceful means, not through coercion or conquest. it's the peace and stability extending from this security environment that has provided the foundation for the region's shared prosperity. by contrast, the p.l.a.'s coercive and risky behavior, like the kind the department is highlighting today, seeks to intimidate and coerce members of the international community into giving up their rights under international law. it directly contradicts what the region wants for itself and it can put lives at risk, the lives of our service members, lives of our allies and partner's service members, and even the lives of p.l.a. operators. the examples released by the department today make each look different. whether between the u.s. asset and the p.l.a. asset engaged in risky may haver or how the p.l.a. asset behaved in any given interaction.

but all these examples we released today underscore the coercive intent of the p.l.a. by engaging in these behaviors, particularly in international air space. and the bottom line is that in many cases, this type of behavior can cause accidents, and dangerous accidents can lead to inadvertent conflict. in january of this year, for example, an american aircraft was flying in the skies above the south china sea, safely, responsibly, and in accordance with international law, hundreds of miles from land. a p.l.a. jet fighter approached our asset at a speed of hundreds of miles per hour, clearly armed, and closing to just 30 feet away. in fact once it was there, the p.l.a. fighter jet lingered at the narrow proximity for more than 15 minutes. just weeks before, indo pacom had publicly released video of a similar incident and for the p.l.a. to engage in this coercive, risky behavior, so soon after that incident, indeed for p.l.a. operators to continue

this behavior at all, points to what this year's cmpr will describe as, and i'm quoting directly, a centralized and concerted campaign to perform these risky behaviors in order to coerce a change in lawful u.s. operational activity and that of u.s. allies and partners. we've also witnessed p.l.a. pilots deliberately interfere with and create turbulence for u.s. operators by flying at close distances. photos from an incident in january 2022 show a p.l.a. fighter jet crossing in front of a lawfully operated u.s. asset at a distance of just 100 yards, forcing the u.s. pilot to fly through the p.l.a.'s wake. again, this is at speeds of hundreds of miles per hour and at an altitude of tens of thousands of feet. this is not a one-off occurrence. in may of this year, as many of you know, indo-pacom released

video of a p.l.a. aircraft speeding along a u.s. aircraft before cutting in front of it. you can see the effects of the turbulence on the crew. this is yet another disturbing sign of the p.l.a.'s coercive, and risky behavior at a time when the p.l.c. has declined invitations for military-to-military communication at the senior-most levels. these images and videos speak for themselves. u.s. planes are operating safely, responsibly, and in accordance with international law. indeed, the skill and professionalism of american service members should not be the only thing standing between p.l.a. fighter pilots and a dangerous, even fatal, accident. and yet, time after time, that is exactly what has prevented disaster in the east and south china seas. as secretary austin has said on numerous occasions, the p.r.c. can and must end this behavior, full stop. for our part, the department will continue to raise awareness about the dangers of the p.l.a.'s coercive and risky operational behavior.

we will also continue to seek open lines of military-to-military communication with the p.l.a. at multiple levels, including the senior-most level. because we believe these challenges are crucial for prevents competition from inadvertently veering into conflict. finally, the united states will not be deterred or coerced. we will continue to fly, sail, and operate, safely and responsibly, wherever international law allows. our forces have helped sustain peace and stability in the indo-pacific for decades and we will continue to do so every day. so i hope today's announcement can help increase understanding here in washington, across the indo pacific, and around the world about why the p.l.a.'s operational behavior is so concerning. thank you. and i will turn it over to admiral john aquilino before we open it up to questions. mr. aquilino: thank you for inviting me to be here today and to all of you in the audience, i've spoken to manufacture of

you but not all of you. i'm honored to be here, and i thank you for participating. ely talked about the challenges that exist as it applies to the p.l.c. activity described in the report. i'm here to talk about these concerns from my perspective as commander of the u.s. indo pacom. first, let me start by stating that the service members of indo pacom every day operate in order to prevent conflict. that is prevent conflict. not provoke it. now, we do that in order to execute our functions and our missions, and that is to maintain a free and open indo pacific. that free and open indo-pacific enables peace, prosperity, and stability for all the nations in the region. and we've done that for eight decades. indo pacom deters conflict by being ready every day, whether

it's our war fighting capabilities, operations, our relationships with our allies and partners, and our exercises. let me point out that our joint force is highly trained, disciplined, and professional. our air operations are planned, rehearsed, and executed safely every day. as the joint force commander, i'm most concerned about the potential for accidents, the way dr. ratner explained them. and those accidents could lead to miscalculation. we must prevent these from happening in the theater. so let me be clear. intercepts happen every day around the world. the vast majority are conducted safely and without incident. and there's no reasons for the intercepts with the p.r.c. in the indo-pacific region to be any different.

i'm here today because it's the operational commander's number one responsibility to ensure the safety of our service members. and it's a responsibility i take very seriously. so, highlighting these behaviors, and ensuring that we can prevent them, is a top priority. i want to thank you again for allowing me to be here today and i look forward to your questions. ms. singh: great. just a quick note at the top, i ask that you keep your questions to the topic. reporter: thanks for doing this. given the new conflict in the middle east, how concerned are you that you will not have the assets you need given that there's two carriers monitoring? how will we continue to deter china if we have these other conflicts? and for dr. ratner, given that there is now a second conflict, have you been able to speak to any of your partners or allies

about increasing production to get more 155's since now israel and ukraine will need them? mr. aquilino: thanks. let me start. first, it is incredibly sad to watch the actions of the terrorists in the middle east. it's also sad to watch the illegitimate, illegal war in ukraine that's been initiated by the russians. as it applies to the indo pacific and my responsibilities, what i'll tell you is i haven't had one piece of equipment or force structure depart the united states as a global power. and that means we can deliver effects and execute our deterrence responsibilities across the globe. i don't think any other nation can do that at this time. but the united states can. oh, by the way, the indo-pacific command has two aircraft carriers right now at sea as well. along with a large portion of

the joint force executing deterrence missions in my theater. dr. ratner: and maybe i will just follow up. i am going to stay away from questions about issues related to other theaters and discussions with our allies and partners. but what i will say about this question, what is the events in other parts of the world mean for our policy and strategy in the indo-pacific and as it relates to the p.r.c., which is that, look, we have a 2022 national defense strategy which has described the p.r.c. as the department-facing challenge. that remains true today. we have a presidential budget request for the department that reflects that strategy a strategy-driven budget. and we have been, in addition to those investments, developing new operational concepts relevant to the region. we have been developing a more mobile distributed lethal and resilient force posture in the indo-pacific. we have had a banner year in that regard over the last 12 months.

a lot of great work in concert with indo-pacom. japan, the philippines, down through australia. and in the meantime, we have been deepening our alliances and partnerships in the region and, to a t, our key alliances and partnerships in the region are stronger than they have ever been. as a result of that activity, you have likely heard department leaders say repeatedly, we believe deterrence is real. and deterrence is strong. and we're doing everything we can to keep it that way. reporter: just as a quick follow-up, is there concern in the region that while having to engage in both ukraine and israel, there might be reduced capability to meet, whether it threat is -- the same countries by china? dr. ratner: like i

going to discuss any intel that i have seen. what i will say is that historically, all nations look at what is going on in the geopolitical space and the military space. i would expect there to be lessons learned. to ensure that we execute both of the mission as the secretary gave me. number one, to prevent conflict in the in the pacific. and if mission one fails, be prepared to fight. those actions go on each and

every day. we would expect all nations to be watching these actions. in determining how that best fit into this. my forces are ready today. >> we have a very specific set of criteria that we use to articulate and describe particular behaviors that is classified. it should remain classified. what we are presented today is set of activities that we believe exhibits observable behavior and we have a catalog. i understand the desire about what the exact number is.

it will be 15 specific incidences from the fall of 2021. the most recent case is one too many. " how do you analyze this? >> there is an element relationship.

the ability to denounce bad actions globally. two authoritarian parents working the close together is certainly concerning. on north korea and russia, the weapons and capabilities is also of concern. the region has gotten more dangerous. we watch very closely. >> you are going to have to ask my counterparts in china. i have asked to speak with my counterparts. going on 2.5 years. i have yet to have one of those requests accepted. i look forward to speaking to my counterpart.

i think developing their relationship would be critical to maintaining stability in the region. is there a similar trend you are seeing on the water? absolutely yes. this is part of a broader pattern of behavior throughout the region, throughout domains and throughout geographies as we are seeing behavior on the water in the east china sea and the south china sea. we are sitting in land against our indian partners. this is part of a much broader picture. what we want to do today was focus on this particular set to

provide some information in this particular issue that we think is dangerous and one that secretary austin has spoken about directly and publicly and privately with our partners. >> there is certainly incident and maritime that are concerning. we released one when they were transiting through the taiwan strait. they cut directly in front of the united states ship, that is one example, there are more. the best i would say if you look at what the philippines released most recently as it applies to utilizing fire hoses and blocking their movement, it is similar to the air domain.

>> it is -- is it a one-way conversation? this is being ordered by the highest levels of the chinese government? >> i got to what dr. edgar talked about as part of the report. i think the report says this is part of a strategy by the prc so that is .1. point number two, the first thing we do in the operational space is communicated to ensure both parties understand where we are, what we are doing, what our intent is to ensure we can avoid any type of accident. it is always step one. sometimes that communication happens. sometimes it doesn't. and i think there is video or

audio and the video that articulates sometimes the responses that we get. there are claims that are not in accordance with our international law but the united states always intends to ensure we understand. quick sometimes it is communication but then -- >> thank you. i just wanted a clarification. are you saying that now is classified? >> what i was describing was the very specific criteria we use around this data as it is classified. what you are seeing today is the result of months of effort to declassify this information and sanitize it for public relief but we don't think it is an error interest or national interest to get this detail about the nature of all these incidents because of how other countries may use that information.

we are not prepared to go beyond the data we are releasing here which emphasized that we believe we are providing a significant amount of transparency into the event today. >> is that a post that only relates to into pacific command? >> we have done that on a case-by-case basis. the question here was about very specific summary data about all the events and we are not prepared to share that data tonight. >> 180 were risky. it is language i think we have known for a long time, that was a characterization i think there was for a lot of us. i am having a hard time equating

. are all of these things risky and unprofessional then? >> i am not going to get into additional labels. bless them and take a shot at it. i think i would say when you get to unsafe and unprofessional, that is really on concerning debt further concerning behavior. people's lives are at risk. we have seen since 2001% of actions that have brought airplanes much closer together than are comfortable for those in the cockpit. flying off my wing for 45 minutes has too much of a chance to lead to an accident. we have seen an increase in those close intercepts and activities and very close proximity since the fall of 2001. a subset of those have been seen by a professional.

>> we can provide you with an articulation of the criteria and we will try to do that. >> i would take one last question here. what we are trying to release the change behavior to the public. we'll get a better understanding what the chinese are doing. our position is that is their story to tell. there are seven decisions to make about releasing that information and from our perspective we believe transparency around this is important for better understanding about this behavior. >> i would say other things you heard about and publicized from other nations have been publicized from other nations. when i think this show is the link is to what we are putting out today. this is not behavior i'm just united states.

this is behavior many of our allies and partners are having to do with in the region. one accident is too many. we went through in 2001 and and my attention as operational commander is to do everything impossible. that is the rules-based international order that he hear us talk about so frequently. >> and we have a lot of questions. i will be up here is your questions. thank you all. >> i am sorry i could not get everyone's question today. we have to be respectful of people's time.

i just have a few things at the top here that i want to pass on. yesterday, as part of our continued engagement with our israeli counterparts, secretary austin spoke with the minister of defense about israel's operation following the october some terrorist attack. i expect they will connect again soon. the secretary reiterated that america's support for israel possible security remains ironclad. i must specifically and indiscriminately targeted civilians and was barbaric in the cruelty. this was terrorism in its clearest sense. hamas does not speak for the palestinian people and we will continue to raise the importance of adhering to the rule of law.

the department remains focused on free objective. supporting israel's defense securities, sending a strong signal of deterrence to any actors who might be thinking about entering the conflict. we are actively providing additional security to the israeli defense forces. secretary austin visited an airbase in israel. however security assistance continues to flow including munitions to meet israel's urgent needs. secretary austin issued an order to approximately 2000 deity personnel. should the present decide deny states will be in a position to rapidly deploy additional air defense and transportation and

additional capabilities in the theater. close to be clear, no decisions have been made to deploy any of these forces at this time. this order only puts these forces -- these units on higher alert. the secretary will continue to assess our boys posture. also, secretary austin approved the extension of the four carrier strike group's deployment in the eastern mediterranean. they will be joined by the u.s. as i administration four. this shows our seriousness and commitment to deterrence. and last, the 26 million as a missionary unit move into the vision. this is an adaptable military force based on the justice components all operating under one command. because they are equipped to execute missions, respond to crises and engage in a minute

operations across a spectrum of military scenarios. lb have to take your question. course i wanted to ask about the hospital bombings. i want to know if there is any indication this was an israeli airstrike. if so, does that change the u.s. evaluation of other bombs to israel? and secondly, could you discuss the arrival as part of a continuing packet for ukraine and where they are being sourced from? >> sure. i've seen the reports of the strength you are referring to, the hospital that was hit. i'm aware of the reports. i don't have anything further to offer at this time.

the secretary has been in regular contact, emphasizing again with all his being upheld. i would just leave it at that. i just don't have movie on this report. you asked for their being sourced from. i don't know. i will not preview any future security packages that we have that been together for the ukrainians, something that will be guiltily consulted with ukrainians on with what they need but i will not preview anything that will be included in future packages. as for where they are sourced from, i am just not going to talk about that at this time. >> candy defense department identified units the 2000

service members irwin and getting ready to deploy? is that why they are set for a possible neo? they are there so that the secretary can make a decision if needed. they are in the region. i will not get into specific operational detail at this time. could you repeat the first question? in terms of the units, this was a decision debated to deploy order came down with yesterday. it is up to the commanders to start sourcing those units to figure out who would best meet the requirements that are needed. those units have not been identified yet.

the secretary made the decision yesterday but the orders themselves and which units will be selected have not been selected yet. i don't have that fullest yet. >> thank you very much. this has been limited to secretary -- secretary of defense or state. and just in the past, you have seen -- he sent yourself there has been an attack of massive -- an attack of hundreds of casualties. you might be military involved in any possible war crimes against civilians? >> what i will say is exactly what you just said, we do not put any preconditions on israel when it comes to using our security assistance. from what we are sent from the beginning is that governments

like us, the democracies are what separates us from hamas. we expect israel and any ally or partner to uphold the law of war. it should be very clear that hamas is the one putting palestinians or those in gaza at great risk. there putting all of this inside hospitals where there are civilians. the fact that they have set up command centers and hospitals are shows the brutality they're willing to engage in, that they are willing to use civilians as a way to mentor -- mask their operations, that is how the secretary and his conversation -- we have always emphasized that the law will be upheld. >> we are in constant

communication with the israeli. we have seen them be very deliberate about where they are striking, continuing to target hamas locations and away from civilians. >> you talked about how they are democracies and you expect them to follow rule of law but israel has a long and documented history of targeting and killing civilians. i get the point you're trying to make. we will crack in the way we view other countries. when i put those guidelines in place? >> we feel confident in our discussions that the secretary has had.

you just secretary blinken -- the president is going to israel today. these are certainly things that will be discussed. we feel that israel and democracies like israel and us should follow the law of war and will follow the law of work in protecting innocent civilians and directly targeting where these known terrorists are. because english is the report you are referring to, i don't have any more details to provide at this time. i don't know who is responsible.

we don't have all the facts. i am sure as we learn more, that will inform conversations. what i can tell you is the secretary has been very clear on our expectation that israel will uphold the law of war and our priorities and objectives in supporting israel is making sure israel has what it needs through our security assistance, sending a continued and strong message of deterrence that should any other actors think of entering the conflict that they think again and that we are going to be mindful and vigilant of any threats from -- threats to u.s. forces. >> the icc sees that as a violation of international law. so does the u.n.. what does the administration say? >> we don't want to see any

innocent civilians without water or power. the necessities they need to survive. >> we know that water was turned back on and part of gaza. we are continuing to engage with israelis to make sure civilians have what they need and that they can clear out or evacuate into safe areas. you are seeing ongoing discussions from the state department and then tonight, the president is flying to israel where i expect they will raise this issue. >> israel is bombing the rough area. if you want people to move south, you have to make it safe. >> that is something i am sure the secretary has been communicating and they are having other calls as part of allies to assure that innocent

civilians within gaza which includes american citizens have a way to leave that area safely and we are also urging them to turn on water in the south part of gaza so that they can have access to that. >> i wanted to get a couple of clarifications. was there a command center in this hospital? >> in relation to this attack? i have only seen the report. i would not be able to speak to that. i have not seen which hospital it was. i've seen the reports but i know you are referring to but i just don't have more information at this time. christmassy currently trying to find out more?

>> i know that he is generally in the area. i just don't have more on his discussions. >> i think by any objective measure, the israeli intelligence failed to cd the october 7 attack. whether the pentagon have so much confidence to launch acura strikes in gaza given the failure of its intelligence community to see to more. -- israel. >> i will not get into specific intelligence and what the israelis can or cannot see now. when it comes to hostage rescue and recovery. we feel confident we continue to share intelligence with the israelis. we feel confident they will be

deliberate in their targeting and not -- i want to move on. request given the intelligence. i think you are hearing these questions. we can't get this clearance on what they are doing. i am just offer some clarity on that. >> i will not get into private conversations. i can tell you that well and consistently in the secretary is we expect all democracies like israel to uphold the law of war. that is something a credibly important. that sets us apart from other government and terrorist organizations. questions the same set up --

>> just the same subject we have been talking about. do we trust ukrainians? we expect them to follow the rule of law of war. they are required to tell us where they have been. they are required to take a list. do we attract -- do we trust the israelis more than we trust ukraine? >> i would look at like that. i would you say both ukraine and israel are engaged in two very different wars right now. i would say the way these ukrainians are responsible, they are keeping track of where they are going. that is something for their own safety they are doing. when they start taking back their territory to avoid other civilian casualties, to avoid any munition that knocks off, that is for their security as well.

let me finish. >> let me finish. i'm going to finish us really quickly. israel is one of her oldest, longest partners and allies in the region. we are working with them very closely when it comes to providing them the security they need. i think you have to remember that this attack is considered their 9/11. they have every right and should respond to the terrorists that killed innocent people. in our conversations, we have been very clear that that these picnics will engage and continue to uphold the law of work that they allow civilians, innocent civilians safe passage. we have to remember -- >> what is the pentagon doing to

ensure the safety? to help find the hostages separately -- is that thing is to the gazans from america? >> they are there if needed. and at the secretary and president's discretion for whatever they feel they could be used for. but they don't have order. so at this time i'm just not going to get into any operational detail. on the -- you asked me one other question before that. >> there are no boots on the ground there. >> is the u.s. doing anything to ensure the safety of americans? >> the state department is really taking the lead on that and continue to engage. to ensure that american citizens

to have a way -- a safe passage out. but the department is focused on are those priorities i listed out. that is sending the message to the region, providing assistance to israel and then of course, being incredibly vigilant of any threats to our u.s. forces. >> will the u.s. conduct its own investigation of the explosion in gaza? >> i will not get ahead of any investigations that have or have not been lost. i will not do that. >> are other parties getting involved, do they have the authority to carry whatever actions they see fit if the decision is made? >> we would consult with congress on any type of action we would take that involves u.s. forces.

right now, that is a hypothetical. our main goal by position that one but a second carrier will be there soon is to send a message of deterrence. to say to actors in the region who think they might want to take advantage of this conflict, do not do that. this is not the time to do that. we remain focused on providing israel what it needs but again, our biggest focus as well is sending the message of deterrence to the region. >> i have another question. you saw the reports concerning the targeting. you don't have information.

hamas uses hospitals. how would you get that in if you're not sure what happened to you? >> i would not say i was trying to conflicted you by any means. i was trying to be more specific on the fact that hamas does integrate in high civilian populations and tries to set command centers in places that could be used for innocent civilians to be treated. should be innocent for innocent civilians to seek medical care. i would not draw any type of comparison to the attack that i only heard on the report. i don't know where it is located. i am getting the information from you as i am standing up here. i was trying to show you that hamas is using this as a shield.

i don't have any details on the report that you are referencing. >> even as the hospital has a habit of, you and the facilities -- you will and facilities have been targeted. 11 journalists, thank you for correcting me. it is a matter of principle? should this be tested against the reality on the ground? is this an open-ended commitment? what really matters here? >> i would say that of course israel does matter. absolutely. absolutely this is a war. and absolutely, the actions that are taken, the courts matter but

that is why in our conversations, the secretary of this administration has been very clear about the law of war and what that means. that is what does set us aside from other nations around the world who do not follow that. i think that we have been very clear from all across agencies about the incredible loss of life we are seeing in israel and gaza. but we feel confident in our conversations with israel and we will continue to reiterate that the law of war must be upheld. >> thank you. you can't rule out how it has been used.

whether or not there was intentional. plus it was a hypothetical and i would not get into that. >> turning aside whether or not it is hypothetical because we don't know, does it not make your position untenable to keep saying again and again there is no precondition and israel respects the rule of law of war and salon, deposition is getting harder and harder to maintain. i know i've said this many times but the secretary is having their daily conversations with israel's counterpart. the secretary of state had an hour-long conversation with the israelis and his counterpart. we feel the israeli military is

very capable, very professional military and i know i know i've said this. but what sets us apart from the world, democracies like ours is not targeting innocent civilians and that is important and that is what you have heard the secretary continue to cite in conversations and that is what will continue to say. >> when you change your position -- and i'm >> as i said, that is a hypothetical and i am just not going to get into that right now. >> i just wanted to ask you about the idea if they go in and look for the hostages, what is the dj supporting in terms of any special operations, are there any troops on the ground in israel? >> when you have a small team

that has been at the embassy that has been engaging with their ideas counterpart when it comes to hostage recovery or hostage rescue, their sharing intelligence that has been pretty lashed up with the israeli defense forces but in terms of intelligence, any other additional operations, i would not get into that right now. >> any additional shipment of weapons? >> yes, you will see a steady flow into israel. as of today, there have been five aircraft missions that have successfully carried a range these into israel. those can range between october 12 and october 16. you are seeing almost near daily deliveries into israel and i would expect those are going to continue to flow. >> thank you. can i get clarification?

would they be part of u.s. deterrence? is this reactionary? >> i would say they are preparing to deploy. if they are, it would be to show support to the region but what they are doing in terms of any type of planning, those decisions have not been made. artie said this in the beginning but what they would be focused on work with this unit would be able to help augment in the region is air defense security logistics, medical intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance and transportation. courts really quickly to russia, do you have any update on the chinese military support? i don't.

chris preparing to deploy is a decision secretary will make the decision to actually move that out -- >> i think there has been a lot of reporting on this. critics, not a plan. it was all about when it is detected. and the reason north korea is compared to russia, what truth does the united states have to stop north korea from using his weapons -- giving his weapons to

hamas or russia. >> i have not seen those reports. because this is about the comment centers. i am just asking you if you have seen evidence that hamas is using government centers. you are obviously adopting the israeli version of the story here. if you have not seen the evidence, you are justifying the bombing of schools and hospitals. >> we are not justifying albanians. we are certainly giving israel what it needs to take out and

effectively push back on hamas and gaza. i will reiterate as many times as you want. they have reiterated the absolute need to uphold the law of war. i would not conflicted to. i just got a note about the reports of this hospital. i do not know where it is located. i do not know if hamas has a command and control center in it. but we have seen in hamas is the same thing we have seen in ages. they are willing to use human infrastructure to conceal and hide behind in order to conduct their attacks. israel has a very capable and professional military. we believe that the security

assistance they are using in gaza is going to be used properly and it will be used should target hamas but also allowing for innocent civilians to seek areas where they can go for humanitarian assistance. >> when you say property, what do you mean? >> like all democracies should. >> you said it was up to commanders presidential decision. >> to select units. >> having selected units for capabilities are what? i'm just trying to find out how much delegation to the commanders there is already in how much is decided by the

administration in this building. quite the commanders will identify the units and if they are needed and if they are called to deploy, they would be a decision that rises above. >> you have to continue the assistance to israel but right now interceptor missiles, is anything else shown or is that what you are saying? >> i will not get into more specifics about what else we are providing them. we are trying to meet the request as rapidly and as quickly as we can. of course, many of the things that happened and some of the things they requested, whether it is munitions or their defense system, we are working to meet their needs as quickly as we can. i have to wrap it there, guys. sorry.

>> the u.s. house is still without a speaker. a full two weeks after kevin mccarthy was removed from the position, las met today to vote on his potential received the votes needed.te the house nowning wednesday. when we expect as i round of voting tr. as it stands, jim jordan remains votes short of 217. after 20 republicans vor someone else on the first ballot. speaker elections, live on c-span. you can watch by using the free c-span now radio at.

the crux we are asking you what books you think shaped america. quick to kill a mockingbird by harper lee. you can join in the conversation by submitting the book you think help shape this country. just clicked of your input tap and select record video. be sure to watch books that shaped america live every monday on c-span. >> c-span's studentcam documentary competition is back, celebrating 20 years with this year's team, looking forward while considering the past. we are asking middleton high school students to create five

to six minute video addressing one of these questions. what is the most important change you would like to see in america work over the past 20 years, it has been the most important change in america? we are giving away $100,000 in total prizes with a grand prize of $5,000 and every teacher who has students participate in this year's competition has the opportunity to share a p of the initial $50,000. the competition deadline is friday, january 19 a2024. for information, visit our website at studentcam.org. >> a healthy democracy does not just look like this. looks like this. where americans can see democracy at work. where citizens are truly informed, our republic thrives. get informed, straight from the source on c-span, unfiltered, unbiased, word for word. from the nation's capital to