welcome to bbc news. let's take in arm made headlines this half hour. european leaders agree a 50 billion euro aid dealfor ukraine. meanwhile, ukraine's ministry of defence say they've sunk another russian warship in the black sea — footage released shows it being struck by several sea drones. police are hunting this man in connection with an attack on a mother and two girls in south london. and seven times formula 1 world champion lewis hamilton could be on the verge of a shock move to

ferrari. straight to the pentagon with lloyd austin the defence secretaryjust about to start a news conference. lloyd about to start a news conference. llode austin the third in the pentagon briefing rooms. we'll deliver opening remarks and then take questions. i will moderate this question so i would ask that you raise your hand if you have a question and wish to be recognised and i will call upon you. good morning- _ and i will call upon you. good morning- it — and i will call upon you. good morning. it has _ and i will call upon you. good morning. it has been - and i will call upon you. good morning. it has been a - and i will call upon you. good l morning. it has been a difficult and i will call upon you. good - morning. it has been a difficult few da 5 for morning. it has been a difficult few days for the _ morning. it has been a difficult few days for the department _ morning. it has been a difficult few days for the department of - morning. it has been a difficult few. days for the department of defence. the entire _ days for the department of defence. the entire department— days for the department of defence. the entire department is— days for the department of defence. the entire department is united - days for the department of defence. the entire department is united in l the entire department is united in our outrage and sorrow over the deaths of three us service members on sunday injordan. we all mourn the loss of three army reserve soldiers serving a tower 22. sergeant williamj rivers, aged 46. sergeant williamj rivers, aged 46. sergeant kennedy l sanders, aged 24. and sergeant brianne moffat, aged

23. ourthoughts and sergeant brianne moffat, aged 23. our thoughts and prayers are with theirfamilies and 23. our thoughts and prayers are with their families and their love ones. and we know that this grief will never leave them and we know that they know that the department's love and support will never leave them either. we also for the other american troops around them. our team—mates were killed in a one—way track drone struck their living quarters. we continue to gather the facts about the deadly attack. our fallen soldiers has a vital muscle some mission to... and to work with our partners to ensure the lasting defeat of isis. they risked their lives and lost their lives to keep their fellow americans safe from global terrorism. the president will not tolerate attacks on american troops and neither will i. our

team—mates were killed by radical militias backed by iran and operating inside syria and iraq. in the aftermath of the vile hamas terrorist assault on israel in october sent, terrorist groups backed by iran and funded by iran have tried to create even more turmoil, including the houthis, attacking commercial shipping in the red sea. so this is a dangerous moment in the middle east. and we will continue to work to avoid wider conflict in the region but we will take all necessary actions to defend the united states, our interests and our people. and we will respond when we choose, where we choose and how we choose, where we choose and how we choose. now, that's what everyone here is focused on. and did my first week back in the pentagon, i did

want to address my recent hospital stay and some of the issues around it. i'm recovering well but, she can see, i am still recovering. still having some leg pain and doing physical therapy to get past it. i am gleefully grateful to my doctors in nursing staff that treated me —— i am deeply grateful. i very much appreciate all the good wishes. but i want to be crystal clear. we did not handle this right and i did not handle this right. i should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. i should told the president about my cancer diagnosis. ishould have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. i should have also told my team and the american public. and i take full responsibility. i apologise to my team—mates and to the american people. now, i want to make it very clear that there were no gaps and authorities and new discs to the department's command and control. at every moment, either i or the deputy secretary was in full charge. and we've already put in place new procedures to ensure

that any absence in notification don't have. in the future, deputy secretary can temporally issue the details of our office. she and several white house officers will be immediately notified, including the white house situation room. silky officials across the department. in a reason for that assumption of duties will be included in writing. now, i want you all to know why this happened. i was being treated for prostate cancer. the new shook me. i know that shake so many others, especially in the black community. —— the news shocked me. it was a gut punch. frankly, my first instinct was to keep it private. i don't think it's news that i'm a pretty private guy. i never like burdening others with my problems. it's just not my way. but i've learnt from

this experience that taking this kind ofjob means losing some of the privacy that most of us expect. the american people have a right to know if the leaders are facing health challenges that might affect their ability to perform their duties, even temporarily. so why wider circle should have been notified, especially the president. i will take your questions today but, as you know, we have got an ongoing internal review as well as a dod inspector general review that we fully support. so i may have to discuss aspects later. now, let me back up of it. as you know, on the 22nd of december, i had a minimally invasive procedure to cure me of my recently diagnosed state cancer. and then i hit some bad luck during what is usually a pretty easy recovery. on january is usually a pretty easy recovery. onjanuary one, i felt is usually a pretty easy recovery. on january one, i felt severe is usually a pretty easy recovery. onjanuary one, i felt severe let leg pain and pain in the abdomen and

hip. that evening, an analyst took me to walter reed. the doctors found that i had several issues that needed treatment, including a bladder infection in abdominal roles. in general second, bladder infection in abdominal roles. in generalsecond, i bladder infection in abdominal roles. in general second, i was also experiencing fever and chills and shallow breathing. onjanuary experiencing fever and chills and shallow breathing. on january the 2nd. the shallow breathing. onjanuary the 2nd. the medical shallow breathing. on january the 2nd. the medical staff shallow breathing. onjanuary the 2nd. the medical staff decided to transfer me to the critical care unit for several days for closer monitoring and betting care by my doctors. the deputy secretary itching the functions and duties of my office, which happens when necessary. —— assumed the functions... all relevant staff were notified of this by regular notification procedures and i never directed anyone to keep my january hospitalisation from the white house. onjanuary hospitalisation from the white house. on january five, hospitalisation from the white house. onjanuary five, i resumed my functions and duties from the hospital. i was functioning well

minimally but not as well physically so i stayed in walter reed for additional treatment, so i stayed in walter reed for additionaltreatment, including so i stayed in walter reed for additional treatment, including full physical therapy for some lingering issues with my leg. now, i am offering all of this as an explanation and losses an excuse. i am very proud of what we have achieved the department of the last three years —— offering this or not as an excuse. but we fell short on this. as a result, the rule, i don't talk about conversations with my boss but i will tell you i have apologise directly to president biden and told him i am deeply sorry for not letting him know immediately that i received a heavy diagnosis and was getting treatment. and he responded with the grace and warm heart that anyone who knows president biden would expect. and i'm gratefulfor his president biden would expect. and i'm grateful for his full confidence in me. and, finally, i also missed an opportunity to send a message on an opportunity to send a message on an important public health issue. i

would like to fix that right now. i was diagnosed with a highly treatable form of cancer and a pretty common one. one in eight american men will get prostate cancer. one in six black men will get it. and so i'm here with a clear message to other men, especially older men. get screened, get your regular checkups. faux state cancer has a glass jaw. if your doctor can stop it, they can treat it and beat it —— pro state cancer has a glass jaw. the side—effects that i experienced were highly, highly unusual so you can count on me to set a better example today and for the rest of my life and today want to thank everyone for their well wishes and their support. it will take questions.— wishes and their support. it will take questions. first question will no to take questions. first question will go to associated _ take questions. first question will go to associated press. _ go to associated press. reporter: _ go to associated press. reporter:— go to associated press. reporter: ., ~ , ., ~ go to associated press. reporter: ., ~ ,, . reporter: thank you, mr secretary. you said you — reporter: thank you, mr secretary. you said you never _ reporter: thank you, mr secretary. you said you never directed _ reporter: thank you, mr secretary. you said you never directed anyone i you said you never directed anyone to keep _ you said you never directed anyone to keep this— you said you never directed anyone

to keep this from _ you said you never directed anyone to keep this from the _ you said you never directed anyone to keep this from the white - you said you never directed anyone to keep this from the white house. did you _ to keep this from the white house. did you direct— to keep this from the white house. did you direct your— to keep this from the white house. did you direct your staff— to keep this from the white house. did you direct your staff or - to keep this from the white house. did you direct your staff or others l did you direct your staff or others to keep _ did you direct your staff or others to keep it— did you direct your staff or others to keep it from _ did you direct your staff or others to keep it from the _ did you direct your staff or others to keep it from the public- did you direct your staff or others to keep it from the public and - did you direct your staff or others. to keep it from the public and from other_ to keep it from the public and from other senior— to keep it from the public and from other senior staff— to keep it from the public and from other senior staff members? - to keep it from the public and from other senior staff members? and i to keep it from the public and from| other senior staff members? and if he did _ other senior staff members? and if he did not. — other senior staff members? and if he did not. has_ other senior staff members? and if he did not, has anyone _ other senior staff members? and if he did not, has anyone been - he did not, has anyone been disciplined _ he did not, has anyone been disciplined for— he did not, has anyone been disciplined for doing - he did not, has anyone been i disciplined for doing something he did not, has anyone been - disciplined for doing something that you did _ disciplined for doing something that you did not — disciplined for doing something that you did not tell_ disciplined for doing something that you did not tell them _ disciplined for doing something that you did not tell them to _ disciplined for doing something that you did not tell them to do? - disciplined for doing something that you did not tell them to do? and . you did not tell them to do? and then_ you did not tell them to do? and theniust — you did not tell them to do? and then just quickly _ you did not tell them to do? and then just quickly on _ you did not tell them to do? and then just quickly on iraq - you did not tell them to do? and then just quickly on iraq and - you did not tell them to do? and l thenjust quickly on iraq and syria, what _ thenjust quickly on iraq and syria, what is _ thenjust quickly on iraq and syria, what is your— thenjust quickly on iraq and syria, what is your response _ thenjust quickly on iraq and syria, what is your response to _ thenjust quickly on iraq and syria, what is your response to the - what is your response to the statement _ what is your response to the statement today _ what is your response to the statement today that - what is your response to the statement today that they . what is your response to the i statement today that they were postponing _ statement today that they were postponing or— statement today that they were postponing or not _ statement today that they were postponing or not doing - statement today that they were postponing or not doing any. statement today that they were . postponing or not doing any more attacks? — postponing or not doing any more attacks? ,., ., postponing or not doing any more attacks? good morning. - postponing or not doing any more attacks? good morning. to - postponing or not doing any morel attacks? good morning. to answer our attacks? good morning. to answer your question _ attacks? good morning. to answer your question on — attacks?m morning. to answer your question on whether- attacks?m morning. to answer your question on whether or - attacks?m morning. to answer your question on whether or not i i your question on whether or not i directed my staff to conceal my hospitalisation from anyone else, the answer is no. in terms of my response to the statement, we always listened to what people were saying but we watch what they do and, again, actions are everything. so we will see what happens in the future.

reporter: sir; will see what happens in the future. reporter: ,, ., ., reporter: sir, during that time that ou were in reporter: sir, during that time that you were in the _ reporter: sir, during that time that you were in the intensive _ reporter: sir, during that time that you were in the intensive care - reporter: sir, during that time that you were in the intensive care unit, l you were in the intensive care unit, there _ you were in the intensive care unit, there was— you were in the intensive care unit, there was an — you were in the intensive care unit, there wasanair— you were in the intensive care unit, there was an air strike _ you were in the intensive care unit, there was an air strike carried - you were in the intensive care unit, there was an air strike carried out, i there was an air strike carried out, a drone _ there was an air strike carried out, a drone strike _ there was an air strike carried out, a drone strike against— there was an air strike carried out, a drone strike against an - there was an air strike carried out, a drone strike against an iraqi - a drone strike against an iraqi ieader— a drone strike against an iraqi leader of— a drone strike against an iraqi leader of a _ a drone strike against an iraqi leader of a militia. _ a drone strike against an iraqi leader ofa militia. how- a drone strike against an iraqi leader of a militia. how is- a drone strike against an iraqi leader of a militia. how is it l a drone strike against an iraqi . leader of a militia. how is it that do you _ leader of a militia. how is it that do you regret _ leader of a militia. how is it that do you regret that _ leader of a militia. how is it that do you regret that the _ leader of a militia. how is it thatl do you regret that the authorities were _ do you regret that the authorities were not— do you regret that the authorities were not ciear— do you regret that the authorities were not clear at _ do you regret that the authorities were not clear at that _ do you regret that the authorities were not clear at that point - do you regret that the authorities were not clear at that point and l were not clear at that point and what _ were not clear at that point and what can — were not clear at that point and what can you _ were not clear at that point and what can you explain _ were not clear at that point and what can you explain about - were not clear at that point andl what can you explain about what were not clear at that point and - what can you explain about what was going _ what can you explain about what was going through — what can you explain about what was going through your— what can you explain about what was going through your mind _ what can you explain about what was going through your mind at - what can you explain about what was going through your mind at that - going through your mind at that time? _ going through your mind at that time? and _ going through your mind at that time? and then, _ going through your mind at that time? and then, separately, i going through your mind at that i time? and then, separately, there has been _ time? and then, separately, there has been a — time? and then, separately, there has been a lot— time? and then, separately, there has been a lot of— time? and then, separately, there has been a lot of telegraphing - time? and then, separately, there i has been a lot of telegraphing about targeting _ has been a lot of telegraphing about targeting and — has been a lot of telegraphing about targeting and responding _ has been a lot of telegraphing about targeting and responding to - has been a lot of telegraphing about targeting and responding to the - targeting and responding to the drone _ targeting and responding to the drone strike, _ targeting and responding to the drone strike, so— targeting and responding to the drone strike, so much- targeting and responding to the drone strike, so much so- targeting and responding to the drone strike, so much so that l targeting and responding to the l drone strike, so much so that the iranian— drone strike, so much so that the iranian proxy— drone strike, so much so that the iranian proxy leaders _ drone strike, so much so that the iranian proxy leaders have - drone strike, so much so that the iranian proxy leaders have left. drone strike, so much so that thel iranian proxy leaders have left the country _ iranian proxy leaders have left the country some _ iranian proxy leaders have left the country. some are _ iranian proxy leaders have left the country. some are back— iranian proxy leaders have left the country. some are back in - iranian proxy leaders have left thej country. some are back in tehran. has there — country. some are back in tehran. has there been _ country. some are back in tehran. has there been too _ country. some are back in tehran. has there been too much - country. some are back in tehran. - has there been too much telegraphing of is the _ has there been too much telegraphing of is the point — has there been too much telegraphing of is the point not _ has there been too much telegraphing of is the point not to _ has there been too much telegraphing of is the point not to kill— has there been too much telegraphing of is the point not to kill any— of is the point not to kill any iranian— of is the point not to kill any iranian commanders? - of is the point not to kill any iranian commanders? regarding the strike on the — iranian commanders? regarding the strike on the 8th _ iranian commanders? regarding the strike on the 8th of _

iranian commanders? regarding the strike on the 8th ofjanuary, - iranian commanders? regarding the strike on the 8th of january, that. strike on the 8th of january, that strike on the 8th of january, that strike was planned and i had made recommendations to the president on actions that we should carry out and the president made a decision and based upon that decision, authorities were pushed down to the central command commander and, as you know, a strike like that, you cannot pick the precise time and that strike is going to take place. you want to minimise collateral damage. you want to make sure that you have everything right and so the subordinate command i had the controls on that particular strike. —— subordinate commander had the controls. i was very much involved in planning and recommendations for that and i knew that would take place in a matter of days. in terms of telegraphing about strikes and whether or not people leave all would have left, i won't speculate

on any of that. i would tell you that we will have a multi tiered response and, again, we have the ability to respond to a number of times depending what the situation is. �* , ., ., , is. let's go to reuters. reporter: _ is. let's go to reuters. reporter: what - is. let's go to reuters. reporter: what did | is. let's go to reuters. i reporter: what did your is. let's go to reuters. _ reporter: what did your deputy know about our reporter: what did your deputy know about your condition? _ reporter: what did your deputy know about your condition? i _ reporter: what did your deputy know about your condition? i think _ reporter: what did your deputy know about your condition? i think in - about your condition? i think in terms of what _ about your condition? i think in terms of what she _ about your condition? i think in terms of what she knew - about your condition? i think in terms of what she knew and i about your condition? i think in i terms of what she knew and didn't know, i think we should probably let that come out of the review. i won't speculate on what she knew and did not know based upon what information was passed to her. again, i think the details of that will come out in one or both of those reviews. reporter: mr one or both of those reviews. reporter:— one or both of those reviews. reporter: ~ ,, . ., , reporter: mr secretary, you say you didn't detect _ reporter: mr secretary, you say you didn't detect your _ reporter: mr secretary, you say you didn't detect your staff _ reporter: mr secretary, you say you didn't detect your staff to _ reporter: mr secretary, you say you didn't detect your staff to hide - reporter: mr secretary, you say you didn't detect your staff to hide the - didn't detect your staff to hide the truth _ didn't detect your staff to hide the truth or— didn't detect your staff to hide the truth or tie. — didn't detect your staff to hide the truth or lie, but— didn't detect your staff to hide the truth or lie, but did _ didn't detect your staff to hide the truth or lie, but did you _

didn't detect your staff to hide the truth or lie, but did you create - didn't detect your staff to hide the truth or lie, but did you create a l truth or lie, but did you create a culture — truth or lie, but did you create a culture of— truth or lie, but did you create a culture of secrecy— truth or lie, but did you create a culture of secrecy that - truth or lie, but did you create a culture of secrecy that then - truth or lie, but did you create a culture of secrecy that then the i culture of secrecy that then the staff _ culture of secrecy that then the staff kind — culture of secrecy that then the staff kind of _ culture of secrecy that then the staff kind of interpreted - culture of secrecy that then the staff kind of interpreted as - culture of secrecy that then the | staff kind of interpreted as your desires — staff kind of interpreted as your desires or— staff kind of interpreted as your desires or your— staff kind of interpreted as your desires or your intentions - staff kind of interpreted as your desires or your intentions whenj staff kind of interpreted as your. desires or your intentions when it came _ desires or your intentions when it came to — desires or your intentions when it came to you _ desires or your intentions when it came to you getting... _ desires or your intentions when it came to you getting... i- desires or your intentions when it came to you getting. . ._ desires or your intentions when it came to you getting... i don't think i've came to you getting... i don't think we created — came to you getting... i don't think we created a _ came to you getting... i don't think i've created a culture _ came to you getting... i don't think i've created a culture of— came to you getting... i don't think i've created a culture of secrecy. i i i've created a culture of secrecy. i think there will be security officers, they will be other staff members, in mapes dominic —— who may perceive that they are doing things in my best interests and i can't predict or determine or ascertain what those things might be. ijust know what i said or did not say in the course. you know, i have a great staff and they always want to intend to do the right thing but in terms of what one may or may not have proceeded any one point in time, i would speculate on that. reporter:— would speculate on that. reporter: ., ~ ., ., , reporter: thank you for doing this and on behalf _

reporter: thank you for doing this and on behalf of _ reporter: thank you for doing this and on behalf of others _ reporter: thank you for doing this and on behalf of others here - reporter: thank you for doing this and on behalf of others here we i reporter: thank you for doing this | and on behalf of others here we wish you a _ and on behalf of others here we wish you a speedy— and on behalf of others here we wish you a speedy recovery. _ and on behalf of others here we wish you a speedy recovery. i— and on behalf of others here we wish you a speedy recovery. i would i and on behalf of others here we wish you a speedy recovery. i would like l you a speedy recovery. i would like to ask— you a speedy recovery. i would like to ask about— you a speedy recovery. i would like to ask about the _ you a speedy recovery. i would like to ask about the current _ you a speedy recovery. i would like to ask about the current situation i to ask about the current situation in the _ to ask about the current situation in the middle _ to ask about the current situation in the middle east. _ to ask about the current situation in the middle east. the _ to ask about the current situation in the middle east. the messagel to ask about the current situation i in the middle east. the message has been deterring — in the middle east. the message has been deterring the _ in the middle east. the message has been deterring the attacks _ in the middle east. the message has been deterring the attacks by- in the middle east. the message has been deterring the attacks by the i been deterring the attacks by the houthis, — been deterring the attacks by the houthis, deterring _ been deterring the attacks by the houthis, deterring the _ been deterring the attacks by the houthis, deterring the attacks i been deterring the attacks by the houthis, deterring the attacks byj houthis, deterring the attacks by the nriiitias _ houthis, deterring the attacks by the militias. has _ houthis, deterring the attacks by the militias. has deterrence i houthis, deterring the attacks by the militias. has deterrence fails| the militias. has deterrence fails and if— the militias. has deterrence fails and if you — the militias. has deterrence fails and if you are _ the militias. has deterrence fails and if you are going _ the militias. has deterrence fails and if you are going to _ the militias. has deterrence fails and if you are going to retaliate. the militias. has deterrence failsl and if you are going to retaliate in the time — and if you are going to retaliate in the time and _ and if you are going to retaliate in the time and place _ and if you are going to retaliate in the time and place your— and if you are going to retaliate inj the time and place your choosing, and if you are going to retaliate in. the time and place your choosing, is that not— the time and place your choosing, is that not an — the time and place your choosing, is that not an escalation, _ the time and place your choosing, is that not an escalation, particularly. that not an escalation, particularly given— that not an escalation, particularly given ail— that not an escalation, particularly given all the — that not an escalation, particularly given all the rhetoric— that not an escalation, particularly given all the rhetoric with - that not an escalation, particularly given all the rhetoric with iran? i given all the rhetoric with iran? and with — given all the rhetoric with iran? and with a _ given all the rhetoric with iran? and with a question _ given all the rhetoric with iran? and with a question on - given all the rhetoric with iran? and with a question on your i and with a question on your recovery _ and with a question on your recovery. sir~ _ and with a question on your recovery, sir. at— and with a question on your recovery, sir. at any- and with a question on your recovery, sir. at any point, i and with a question on your i recovery, sir. at any point, did and with a question on your - recovery, sir. at any point, did you think— recovery, sir. at any point, did you think that — recovery, sir. at any point, did you think that your— recovery, sir. at any point, did you think that your situation _ recovery, sir. at any point, did you think that your situation had i recovery, sir. at any point, did youi think that your situation had caused due to _ think that your situation had caused due to potentially _ think that your situation had caused due to potentially consider - due to potentially consider resigning _ due to potentially consider resigning with— due to potentially consider resigning with the - due to potentially consider resigning with the political| resigning with the political attention— resigning with the political attention that _ resigning with the political attention that had - resigning with the political. attention that had developed resigning with the political- attention that had developed as a result? _ attention that had developed as a result? in — attention that had developed as a result? , ., , ., ., result? in terms of resignation, the answer is no- _ result? in terms of resignation, the answer is no. in _ result? in terms of resignation, the answer is no. in terms _ result? in terms of resignation, the answer is no. in terms of _ result? in terms of resignation, the answer is no. in terms of escalation in the middle east, you know, our goal was to make sure that we contain this crisis in gaza and that

we prevented things from spreading to a wider conflict. there was a lot of activity in the region but there has always been a lot of activity in the region and you know well that iranian proxy groups have been attacking our troops even well before october 7. and we can go back and count the number of attacks before october 7. and they are not insignificant. there are things ongoing now. well, things are not ongoing. we don't see a conflict, all—out conflict between israel and the lebanese hezbollah. so i think managing that has been artfully done and so we remain in contact with our israeli counterparts and make sure that that doesn't blossom into a war on another front. we don't see

israel engaged in a conflict with other countries in the region. we are not at war with iran. and, yes, the houthis continue to do some things that are very irresponsible and illegal and so our goal is to make sure that we take away, we continue to take away capability from the houthis to do what they've been doing. and this is not a us issue. this is an international issue. this is an international issue. you know, we're going to either be serious about the freedom of navigation we are not and so, as we look at partners like the uk and so many others that have joined us, in this effort, this is about freedom of navigation. there were others in the world that are watching this to see how serious we are about this, and we are serious. and, again, our partners and allies are serious that as well. this is costing countries and companies significant amounts of money as they

have had to redirect commercial traffic around but the houthis, i mean, their activity needs to come to a halt and we will call upon iran to a halt and we will call upon iran to quit or to cease supplying the houthis with these advanced conventional weapons that they have used to attack ships on the red sea. reporter: sir. used to attack ships on the red sea. reporter: ,, _, , , ., ., ., , reporter: sir, commission relations on our reporter: sir, commission relations on your illness _ reporter: sir, commission relations on your illness and _ reporter: sir, commission relations on your illness and it _ reporter: sir, commission relations on your illness and it is _ reporter: sir, commission relations on your illness and it is good - reporter: sir, commission relations on your illness and it is good to - on your illness and it is good to see you — on your illness and it is good to see you back— on your illness and it is good to see you back in— on your illness and it is good to see you back in your— on your illness and it is good to see you back in your freight i on your illness and it is good to see you back in your freight —— i on your illness and it is good to i see you back in your freight —— on your— see you back in your freight —— on your feet — see you back in your freight —— on your feet he _ see you back in your freight -- on your feet-— on i your feet. he is on one foot! on one foot! you said _ your feet. he is on one foot! on one foot! you said you _ your feet. he is on one foot! on one foot! you said you never _ your feet. he is on one foot! on one foot! you said you never directed i foot! you said you never directed staff— foot! you said you never directed staff to _ foot! you said you never directed staff to keep _ foot! you said you never directed staff to keep details _ foot! you said you never directed staff to keep details of— foot! you said you never directed staff to keep details of your i staff to keep details of your hospitalisation _ staff to keep details of your hospitalisation are - staff to keep details of youri hospitalisation are frequent. staff to keep details of your i hospitalisation are frequent. did any senior— hospitalisation are frequent. did any senior members _ hospitalisation are frequent. did any senior members of- hospitalisation are frequent. did any senior members of your- hospitalisation are frequent. did i any senior members of your family or your wife _ any senior members of your family or your wife directed _ any senior members of your family or your wife directed him _ any senior members of your family or your wife directed him to— any senior members of your family or your wife directed him to keep - any senior members of your family or your wife directed him to keep the i your wife directed him to keep the surf secret? — your wife directed him to keep the surf secret? to _ your wife directed him to keep the surf secret?— surf secret? to my knowledge, i don't know _ surf secret? to my knowledge, i don't know that _ surf secret? to my knowledge, i don't know that anyone - surf secret? to my knowledge, i don't know that anyone on - surf secret? to my knowledge, i don't know that anyone on my . surf secret? to my knowledge, i. don't know that anyone on my staff may have said but i think these things will come out in the review

and so rather than speculate i think we should let the effects come out as the review is done. flan we should let the effects come out as the review is done.— we should let the effects come out as the review is done. can i ask you one more question _ as the review is done. can i ask you one more question about... - as the review is done. can i ask you one more question about... you i one more question about... you mention— one more question about... you mention during _ one more question about... you mention during your— one more question about... you mention during your opening - mention during your opening statement _ mention during your opening statement that— mention during your opening statement that this - mention during your opening statement that this was - mention during your opening statement that this was an . statement that this was an opportunity— statement that this was an opportunity to— statement that this was an opportunity to talk- statement that this was an opportunity to talk about l statement that this was an - opportunity to talk about post—state cancer _ opportunity to talk about post—state cancer especially _ opportunity to talk about post—state cancer especially in _ opportunity to talk about post—state cancer especially in the _ opportunity to talk about post—state cancer especially in the black- cancer especially in the black community _ cancer especially in the black community i_ cancer especially in the black community. i wonder- cancer especially in the black community. i wonder if- cancer especially in the black community. i wonder if you i cancer especially in the black- community. i wonder if you have any regret— community. i wonder if you have any regret that _ community. i wonder if you have any regret that your— community. i wonder if you have any regret that your silence _ community. i wonder if you have any regret that your silence on _ community. i wonder if you have any regret that your silence on this - regret that your silence on this reinforced _ regret that your silence on this reinforced the _ regret that your silence on this reinforced the culture - regret that your silence on this reinforced the culture of- regret that your silence on this. reinforced the culture of secrecy among _ reinforced the culture of secrecy among that _ reinforced the culture of secrecy among that about _ reinforced the culture of secrecy among that about prostate - reinforced the culture of secrecy i among that about prostate cancer? you nrention. — among that about prostate cancer? you mention, and— among that about prostate cancer? you mention, and this _ among that about prostate cancer? you mention, and this is _ among that about prostate cancer? you mention, and this is probably. you mention, and this is probably not an issue secrecy as much as it is an issue of privacy. and this is a very... cancer, period, is very private and there may be cancer survivors amongst us in this room. i know that at least a couple. —— that there are at least a couple. but you know how pilot that is and you know

what the initial diagnosis feels like —— how private that is. among the black community, though, it is even more a thing that people want to keep private and, again, it's more about privacy than secrecy. in my case, i should have informed my boss. i did not. that was a mistake and, again, iapologise boss. i did not. that was a mistake and, again, i apologise to him for not doing so. reporter: ~ ., reporter: mr secretary, he went to the hosital reporter: mr secretary, he went to the hospital in — reporter: mr secretary, he went to the hospital in december— reporter: mr secretary, he went to the hospital in december 22. - reporter: mr secretary, he went to the hospital in december 22. was - the hospital in december 22. was 'ust the hospital in december 22. was just staff— the hospital in december 22. was just staff aware _ the hospital in december 22. was just staff aware that _ the hospital in december 22. was just staff aware that you - the hospital in december 22. was just staff aware that you had - the hospital in december 22. was| just staff aware that you had gone to the _ just staff aware that you had gone to the hospital— just staff aware that you had gone to the hospital and _ just staff aware that you had gone to the hospital and if _ just staff aware that you had gone to the hospital and if so, - just staff aware that you had gone to the hospital and if so, why- to the hospital and if so, why didn't— to the hospital and if so, why didn't they— to the hospital and if so, why didn't they tell— to the hospital and if so, why didn't they tell the _ to the hospital and if so, why didn't they tell the white - to the hospital and if so, why- didn't they tell the white house? you and — didn't they tell the white house? you and backs _ didn't they tell the white house? you and backs of _ didn't they tell the white house? you and backs of the _ didn't they tell the white house? you and backs of the hospital- didn't they tell the white house? i you and backs of the hospital and generally— you and backs of the hospital and generally first _ you and backs of the hospital and generally first in _ you and backs of the hospital and generally first in the _ you and backs of the hospital and generally first in the aid - you and backs of the hospital and generally first in the aid told - you and backs of the hospital and generally first in the aid told the i generally first in the aid told the dispatcher— generally first in the aid told the dispatcher that— generally first in the aid told the dispatcher that the _ generally first in the aid told the dispatcher that the ambulance . dispatcher that the ambulance arrived — dispatcher that the ambulance arrived no _ dispatcher that the ambulance arrived no lights, _ dispatcher that the ambulance arrived no lights, no _ dispatcher that the ambulance arrived no lights, no silence. i dispatcher that the ambulance . arrived no lights, no silence. did you ask— arrived no lights, no silence. did you ask the _ arrived no lights, no silence. did you ask the aide _ arrived no lights, no silence. did you ask the aide to _ arrived no lights, no silence. did you ask the aide to do _ arrived no lights, no silence. did you ask the aide to do that? - arrived no lights, no silence. did you ask the aide to do that? ii. arrived no lights, no silence. did you ask the aide to do that? a spade to call the ambulance _ you ask the aide to do that? a spade to call the ambulance but _ you ask the aide to do that? a spade to call the ambulance but did - you ask the aide to do that? a spade to call the ambulance but did not - to call the ambulance but did not direct him to do any thing further than call the ambulance what he said

and why she said it, i think that should matter the review as well. what about december 22 when you went to the hospital— what about december 22 when you went to the hospital the _ what about december 22 when you went to the hospital the first _ what about december 22 when you went to the hospital the first time? _ what about december 22 when you went to the hospital the first time? we - to the hospital the first time? we are staff— to the hospital the first time? we are staff aware _ to the hospital the first time? we are staff aware and _ to the hospital the first time? we are staff aware and if _ to the hospital the first time? we are staff aware and if so - to the hospital the first time? we are staff aware and if so what - to the hospital the first time? we are staff aware and if so what did| are staff aware and if so what did it tell _ are staff aware and if so what did it tell the — are staff aware and if so what did it tell the white _ are staff aware and if so what did it tell the white house? - are staff aware and if so what did it tell the white house?— are staff aware and if so what did it tell the white house? when i went to the h05pital _ it tell the white house? when i went to the hospital in _ it tell the white house? when i went to the hospital in december- it tell the white house? when i went to the hospital in december 22, - it tell the white house? when i went to the hospital in december 22, i- to the hospital in december 22, i went for that procedure. my duties were transferred to the deck pc. that was planned and i decided to stay in hospital overnight and decided to stay there overnight because of the anaesthesia that was involved and then the next day later involved and then the next day later in the afternoon, early evening, we transferred to... but in the afternoon, early evening, we transferred to. . ._ transferred to... but weir staff aware? unlike _ transferred to... but weir staff aware? unlike mr _ transferred to... but weir staff aware? unlike mr secretary, . transferred to... but weir staffl aware? unlike mr secretary, we transferred to... but weir staff - aware? unlike mr secretary, we wish you good _ aware? unlike mr secretary, we wish you good health _ aware? unlike mr secretary, we wish you good health and _ aware? unlike mr secretary, we wish you good health and thank _ aware? unlike mr secretary, we wish you good health and thank you - aware? unlike mr secretary, we wish you good health and thank you for. you good health and thank you for taking _ you good health and thank you for taking your— you good health and thank you for taking your questions. _ you good health and thank you for taking your questions. i— you good health and thank you for taking your questions. i will- you good health and thank you for taking your questions. i will startl taking your questions. i will start with a _ taking your questions. i will start with a quick— taking your questions. i will start with a quick question _ taking your questions. i will start with a quick question on - taking your questions. i will start with a quick question on your - with a quick question on your hospitalisation. _ with a quick question on your hospitalisation. you - with a quick question on your hospitalisation. you are - hospitalisation. you are hospitalised _ hospitalisation. you are hospitalised by- hospitalisation. you are hospitalised by days - hospitalisation. you are . hospitalised by days before hospitalisation. you are - hospitalised by days before you infornt — hospitalised by days before you infornt the _ hospitalised by days before you | inform the commander—in—chief hospitalised by days before you i inform the commander—in—chief of your absence _ inform the commander—in—chief of your absence. anyone _ inform the commander—in—chief of your absence. anyone else - inform the commander—in—chief of your absence. anyone else withinl inform the commander—in—chief of i your absence. anyone else within the mititary— your absence. anyone else within the mititary chain — your absence. anyone else within the mititary chain of _ your absence. anyone else within the military chain of command _ your absence. anyone else within the military chain of command would - your absence. anyone else within thel military chain of command would have faced a _ military chain of command would have faced a reprimand _ military chain of command would have faced a reprimand or— military chain of command would have faced a reprimand or even— military chain of command would have faced a reprimand or even dismissal. i

faced a reprimand or even dismissal. why shoutdn't — faced a reprimand or even dismissal. why shouldn't that _ faced a reprimand or even dismissal. why shouldn't that steam _ faced a reprimand or even dismissal. why shouldn't that steam standard . why shouldn't that steam standard appty why shouldn't that steam standard apply to _ why shouldn't that steam standard apply to you. — why shouldn't that steam standard apply to you, sir? _ why shouldn't that steam standard apply to you. sir?— apply to you, sir? thanks for the question- _ apply to you, sir? thanks for the question- i _ apply to you, sir? thanks for the question. i want _ apply to you, sir? thanks for the question. i want to _ apply to you, sir? thanks for the question. i want to say _ apply to you, sir? thanks for the question. i want to say we - apply to you, sir? thanks for the question. i want to say we didn'tj question. i want to say we didn't get that out. i take full responsibility for the department's actions. —— we didn't get this right. in terms of why a second notification was not made to the white house, information was available. i'm not sure at this point what exactly happened. but i think details will play out as the review was conducted. reporter:— review was conducted. reporter: ., , ., reporter: question about the situation overseas _ reporter: question about the situation overseas right - reporter: question about the situation overseas right now i reporter: question about the | situation overseas right now and information— situation overseas right now and information in— situation overseas right now and information in regards— situation overseas right now and information in regards to - situation overseas right now and| information in regards to strikes. there _ information in regards to strikes. there have — information in regards to strikes. there have been _ information in regards to strikes. there have been more _ information in regards to strikes. there have been more than - information in regards to strikes. there have been more than 160 i there have been more than 160 strikes — there have been more than 160 strikes on — there have been more than 160 strikes on american _ there have been more than 160 strikes on american targets - there have been more than 160 i strikes on american targets across the region— strikes on american targets across the region since _ strikes on american targets across the region since october. - strikes on american targets across the region since october. why- strikes on american targets across the region since october. why has| the region since october. why has the region since october. why has the us— the region since october. why has the us waited _ the region since october. why has the us waited until— the region since october. why has the us waited until american - the region since october. why has. the us waited until american service members _ the us waited until american service members were — the us waited until american service members were killed _ the us waited until american service members were killed to _ the us waited until american service members were killed to escalate - the us waited until american service members were killed to escalate its| members were killed to escalate its response? — members were killed to escalate its resonse? ~ ., , members were killed to escalate its resonse? ~ .,, i. members were killed to escalate its resonse? ~ ~ ., members were killed to escalate its resonse? ~ ~' ., ., response? well, as you know, we have resonded response? well, as you know, we have resmhded a — response? well, as you know, we have responded a number _ response? well, as you know, we have responded a number of _ response? well, as you know, we have responded a number of times - response? well, as you know, we have responded a number of times and -

responded a number of times and taken out in the first of all, their attacks, many of them, most of them, are going to be ineffective. many of them, most of them, we are going to defend ourselves against. whenever we conduct a strike, we are going to hit what we're aiming at. they are going to take away capability. we are going to do what we are designing to do and so this particular attack was egregious in that, you know, the attack was on a sleeping area of our base and, again, we have hezbollah and other elements continue to attack our troops and, again, i think at this point, we should it is time to take

away even more capability than we have taken in the past. in are, you have taken in the past. in are, you have used the term escalation. we have used the term escalation. we have not described would sponsor is going to be but we look to hold the people for this accountable and we also look to make sure that we continue to take away capability from them as we go forward. lets go to the next — from them as we go forward. lets go to the next question. _ from them as we go forward. lets go to the next question. washington - to the next question. washington post~ _ post. reporter: ~ reporter: mr secretary, welcome back. first reporter: mr secretary, welcome back- first of— reporter: mr secretary, welcome back. first of all, _ reporter: mr secretary, welcome back. first of all, the _ reporter: mr secretary, welcome back. first of all, the chairman - reporter: mr secretary, welcome back. first of all, the chairman of. back. first of all, the chairman of the housing — back. first of all, the chairman of the housing services— back. first of all, the chairman of the housing services committee, | back. first of all, the chairman of- the housing services committee, one of the _ the housing services committee, one of the main _ the housing services committee, one of the main oversight _ the housing services committee, one of the main oversight committees . the housing services committee, onej of the main oversight committees for this building — of the main oversight committees for this building has _ of the main oversight committees for this building has asked _ of the main oversight committees for this building has asked if— of the main oversight committees for this building has asked if he - of the main oversight committees for this building has asked if he will- this building has asked if he will contest — this building has asked if he will contest define _ this building has asked if he will contest define a _ this building has asked if he will contest define a specific - this building has asked if he will contest define a specific date. l this building has asked if he will. contest define a specific date. will you do _ contest define a specific date. will you do that? — contest define a specific date. will you do that? secondly, _ contest define a specific date. will you do that? secondly, on - contest define a specific date. will you do that? secondly, on the - contest define a specific date. will. you do that? secondly, on the middle east, _ you do that? secondly, on the middle east, what _ you do that? secondly, on the middle east, what is — you do that? secondly, on the middle east, what is the _ you do that? secondly, on the middle east, what is the response _ you do that? secondly, on the middle east, what is the response to - you do that? secondly, on the middle east, what is the response to the - east, what is the response to the criticism — east, what is the response to the criticism that— east, what is the response to the criticism that the _ east, what is the response to the criticism that the united - east, what is the response to the criticism that the united states . east, what is the response to thej criticism that the united states is also playing — criticism that the united states is also playing into _ criticism that the united states is also playing into the _ criticism that the united states is also playing into the hands - criticism that the united states is also playing into the hands of - criticism that the united states is also playing into the hands of the houthis— also playing into the hands of the houthis because _ also playing into the hands of the houthis because the _ also playing into the hands of the houthis because the us- also playing into the hands of the houthis because the us response also playing into the hands of the . houthis because the us response is elevating _ houthis because the us response is elevating bests _ houthis because the us response is elevating bests that _ houthis because the us response is elevating bests that status, - houthis because the us response is elevating bests that status, they. elevating bests that status, they have demonstrated _ elevating bests that status, they have demonstrated ability - elevating bests that status, they have demonstrated ability to - have demonstrated ability to withstand _ have demonstrated ability to withstand years _ have demonstrated ability to withstand years of— have demonstrated ability to withstand years of bombingl have demonstrated ability to. withstand years of bombing in have demonstrated ability to - withstand years of bombing in the past and — withstand years of bombing in the past and more _ withstand years of bombing in the past and more broadly _ withstand years of bombing in the past and more broadly playing - withstand years of bombing in the| past and more broadly playing into the hands — past and more broadly playing into the hands of— past and more broadly playing into the hands of the _ past and more broadly playing into

the hands of the iranians - past and more broadly playing into the hands of the iranians who - the hands of the iranians who support— the hands of the iranians who support houthis _ the hands of the iranians who support houthis and - the hands of the iranians who support houthis and other. the hands of the iranians who - support houthis and other groups when _ support houthis and other groups when the — support houthis and other groups when the goat _ support houthis and other groups when the goal of _ support houthis and other groups when the goal of present - support houthis and other groups when the goal of present biden . support houthis and other groupsj when the goal of present biden in the united — when the goal of present biden in the united states— when the goal of present biden in the united states has— when the goal of present biden in the united states has been- when the goal of present biden in the united states has been to - the united states has been to prevent— the united states has been to prevent increased _ the united states has been to prevent increased violence . the united states has been to prevent increased violence ini the united states has been to i prevent increased violence in the middle _ prevent increased violence in the middle east— prevent increased violence in the middle east and _ prevent increased violence in the middle east and now— prevent increased violence in the middle east and now the - prevent increased violence in the middle east and now the united i middle east and now the united states— middle east and now the united states is— middle east and now the united states is taking _ middle east and now the united states is taking part _ middle east and now the united states is taking part in- middle east and now the united states is taking part in actuallyl states is taking part in actually it. states is taking part in actually it thanks _ states is taking part in actually it- thanks— it. thanks. -- taking part in actually _ it. thanks. -- taking part in actually increasing - it. thanks. -- taking part in actually increasing it. - actually increasing it. what is the first part of your question?— question? will you testify s chambers _ question? will you testify s chambers has _ question? will you testify s chambers has axed? - question? will you testify s i chambers has axed? converse question? will you testify s - chambers has axed? converse had question? will you testify s _ chambers has axed? converse had some very relevant _ chambers has axed? converse had some very relevant questions _ chambers has axed? converse had some very relevant questions that _ chambers has axed? converse had some very relevant questions that they - very relevant questions that they have asked us and we will continue to answer those questions. we will continue to work with chairman rogers' office to address any additional questions or issues that he might have and, again, we will stay in touch with chairman rogers' office as things play out. band. stay in touch with chairman rogers' office as things play out.— office as things play out. and, so the can office as things play out. and, so they can on _ office as things play out. and, so they can on the _ office as things play out. and, so they can on the middle _ office as things play out. and, so they can on the middle east, - office as things play out. and, so they can on the middle east, you j they can on the middle east, you playing _ they can on the middle east, you playing into _ they can on the middle east, you playing into the _ they can on the middle east, you playing into the hands _ they can on the middle east, you playing into the hands of - they can on the middle east, you playing into the hands of the - playing into the hands of the houthis— playing into the hands of the houthis and _ playing into the hands of the

houthis and iran? _ playing into the hands of the houthis and iran? if- playing into the hands of the houthis and iran?— playing into the hands of the houthis and iran? i. ., ,, ., houthis and iran? if you take a look at what the — houthis and iran? if you take a look at what the houthis _ houthis and iran? if you take a look at what the houthis are _ houthis and iran? if you take a look at what the houthis are doing, - houthis and iran? if you take a look at what the houthis are doing, they j at what the houthis are doing, they are attacking commercial shipping. initially, they said that they were attacking commercial shipping because these ships were supporting israel. they have attacked ships that are, but have the interest of some 50 countries that are not supporting israel. and so this is an international crime and this is something we have to do about and in terms of elevating the status of the houthis, i think they have to do something about that. this is not elevating the status. this is about preventing them from having the ability to do what they've done in terms of attacking ships and trying to sink ships that have nothing to do with the israeli conflict. let’s do with the israeli conflict. let's to to do with the israeli conflict. let's go to cbs- _ go to cbs. reporter: ~ go to cbs. reporter: ., ., goto cbs. reporter: ., ., ., reporter: will soar a golf cart out on the whole _ reporter: will soar a golf cart out on the whole way. _ reporter: will soar a golf cart out on the whole way. is _ reporter: will soar a golf cart out on the whole way. is that _ reporter: will soar a golf cart out on the whole way. is that how - reporter: will soar a golf cart out on the whole way. is that how you i on the whole way. is that how you are getting — on the whole way. is that how you are getting around _ on the whole way. is that how you are getting around now? - on the whole way. is that how you are getting around now? and - on the whole way. is that how you

are getting around now? and how| are getting around now? and how confident— are getting around now? and how confident are _ are getting around now? and how confident are you _ are getting around now? and how confident are you that _ are getting around now? and how confident are you that your- are getting around now? and how. confident are you that your recovery is going _ confident are you that your recovery is going to _ confident are you that your recovery is going to be — confident are you that your recovery is going to be complete _ confident are you that your recovery is going to be complete enough - confident are you that your recovery is going to be complete enough to. is going to be complete enough to allow— is going to be complete enough to allow you — is going to be complete enough to allow you to — is going to be complete enough to allow you to in _ is going to be complete enough to allow you to in what _ is going to be complete enough to allow you to in what everybody - allow you to in what everybody recognises _ allow you to in what everybody recognises is _ allow you to in what everybody recognises is a _ allow you to in what everybody recognises is a very— allow you to in what everybody| recognises is a very demanding allow you to in what everybody - recognises is a very demanding job? nobody— recognises is a very demanding job? nobody recognises _ recognises is a very demanding job? nobody recognises that _ recognises is a very demanding job? nobody recognises that more - recognises is a very demanding job? nobody recognises that more than l recognises is a very demanding job? i nobody recognises that more than me. but that is the first time i used that golf cart, by the way, and i think it is pretty neat. my leg will continue to improve. the doctors are confident that it will. my pt specialist, who i think is a sadist, you know, he continues to work me had and he has confidence as well. it will just take time because had and he has confidence as well. it willjust take time because of the nature of the injury. no, they campus a number on it in terms of days or weeks but it'll be incremental improvement. i would be ready for the olympics but i will improve. ready for the olympics but i will imrove. �* , ready for the olympics but i will imrove. �*, ., ., .

ready for the olympics but i will| improve._ thank ready for the olympics but i will - improve._ thank you, improve. let's go to afp. thank you, mr secretary- _ improve. let's go to afp. thank you, mr secretary. will _ improve. let's go to afp. thank you, mr secretary. will the _ improve. let's go to afp. thank you, mr secretary. will the us _ improve. let's go to afp. thank you, mr secretary. will the us military - mr secretary. will the us military action— mr secretary. will the us military action to — mr secretary. will the us military action to something _ mr secretary. will the us military. action to something unprecedented mr secretary. will the us military- action to something unprecedented in order to _ action to something unprecedented in order to deter— action to something unprecedented in order to deter iran _ action to something unprecedented in order to deter iran and _ action to something unprecedented in order to deter iran and its _ action to something unprecedented in order to deter iran and its proxies- order to deter iran and its proxies and cannot— order to deter iran and its proxies and cannot be _ order to deter iran and its proxies and cannot be done _ order to deter iran and its proxies and cannot be done without - order to deter iran and its proxies. and cannot be done without sparking and cannot be done without sparking a broader— and cannot be done without sparking a broader conflict? _ and cannot be done without sparking a broader conflict? [— and cannot be done without sparking a broader conflict?— a broader conflict? i think everyone reco . nises a broader conflict? i think everyone recognises the _ a broader conflict? i think everyone recognises the challenges - a broader conflict? i think everyone recognises the challenges with - recognises the challenges with making sure that we hold the right people accountable, that we do everything necessary to protect our troops, that we manage things so that they don't escalate. i don't think there is any set formula for doing this. i do think, though, that in everything that we do, as we work our way through the decision—making process with the national security council, we are managing all of that, looking at all of that, and we are using every instrument of national power to address various issues. so i think there are ways to manage this so it doesn't spiral out of control and that's been a focus

throughout. of control and that's been a focus throughout-— of control and that's been a focus throughout. let's go to aljazeera. reporter: _ throughout. let's go to aljazeera. reporter: wishing _ throughout. let's go to aljazeera. reporter: wishing you _ throughout. let's go to aljazeera. reporter: wishing you a - throughout. let's go to aljazeera. reporter: wishing you a speedy| reporter: wishing you a speedy recove , reporter: wishing you a speedy recovery. mr _ reporter: wishing you a speedy recovery, mr secretary. _ reporter: wishing you a speedy recovery, mr secretary. back - reporter: wishing you a speedy recovery, mr secretary. back in i recovery, mr secretary. back in december, _ recovery, mr secretary. back in december, in— recovery, mr secretary. back in december, in your— recovery, mr secretary. back in december, in your speech- recovery, mr secretary. back in december, in your speech at i recovery, mr secretary. back ini december, in your speech at the library. — december, in your speech at the library. you _ december, in your speech at the library, you told _ december, in your speech at the library, you told israeli - december, in your speech at the library, you told israeli leaders. library, you told israeli leaders they— library, you told israeli leaders they havem _ they have... studio: - they have... studio: if. they have... . studio: if you they have... - studio: if you are they have... — studio: if you are justjoining as studio: if you arejustjoining as you're watching bbc news and watching us defence secretary lloyd austin giving a defence conference —— news conference, being asked a lot of questions about the potential of us military action in response to that iranian backed attack injordan that iranian backed attack injordan that killed three us service personnel over the weekend but also being asked a lot of questions and he gave a lengthy statement about that cancer stay over the christmas period which of course took the west by complete surprise, including the president, and hejust gave by complete surprise, including the president, and he just gave a full apology both to his team, the president and the public. we continue to listen to more questions which now have returned to how to

actually take on these iranian—backed groups. l actually take on these iranian-backed groups. actually take on these iranian-backed r-rous. ., iranian-backed groups. i have said to my counterpart _ iranian-backed groups. i have said to my counterpart minister- iranian-backed groups. i have said| to my counterpart minister galante every time that i talk to him, and i talk to him every week —— minister g. talk to him every week —— minister g_ __ talk to him every week —— minister g. —— gallant. they emphasise the importance of protecting human lives and providing assistance to the palestinians. it is critical. there is no question there has been a tough conflict but, as i said earlier, we are starting to see the israelis kind of shift their stance and change their approach to a more focused and... controlled, controlled is probably not the right word, but a more focused effort focused on a discrete set of objectives. so i think you know, we

talked to them about that