Direct next steps. Connected with Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss coordination to support israel, deter hostile actors and protect innocent people. We will in the minutes ahead we hope get more of a level of detail whats going to happen. Sandra we are about an hour behind and also anticipating Jake Sullivan to appear at the White House Press briefing with Karine Jeanpierre, that too has been pushed back because we have not heard the president s address yet. As soon as he begins speaking we will get to that. Middle east region is quieter today than in two decades. Sandra and there he is, that was National Security adviser Jake Sullivan speaking last week touting the Biden Administration middle east policy, days later, an attack for the deadliest day since the holocaust. John a lot of signals were missed, im john roberts in washington. We are still waiting for President Biden to address the nation. Speech scheduled to start one hour and one minute ago. Also scheduled this hour, the White House Briefing with Jake Sullivan and Karine Jeanpierre. How will they explain the administration seems to have gotten this so wrong. Sandra it is 9 00 in israel, Defense Forces are preparing for a Ground Invasion in the south. Sirens in israels north as the threat from hezbollahs attacks escalate, but Terror Groups funded by iran, a country at the center of bidens mideast policy. Acts of heroic by first responders, watch. [sirens and gunshots] john video shows officers pr chasing down and killing two armed terrorists in a southern city. Mike tobin is live in tel aviv. Whats going on where you are . Mike something unique right now. Theres a promise in the last half hour or so from Islamic Jihad to send a Rocket Targeting tel aviv, and it was supposed to happen right at this time, right about 9 00. They do have the capability to reach this far, about the middle of the country, up from the gaza strip. We have heard the red alert sirens sound several times today, and heard a number of explosions, and we heard a number of booms off in the horizon. So they have the ability to reach out this far, and when The Sun Goes Down the rocket fire starts up. And just how inhuman some massacres have been. The kubutz, i24 news crew went in and described scenes of israelis who had huddled in the safe rooms, usually built to protect them from the bombs, huddled in the safe rooms and were massacred in the safe rooms and in fact, a soldier told reporter from i24 that infants in that area had been beheaded. Families also living in fear are the families of the 150 people believed to be held hostage by hamas and Islamic Jihad in the gaza strip. Nine are americans. We met with some of those families. The one thing the families say consistently, all they really know is that their loved one is missing. My brother, my sister, we were on the call with her as the terrorists barged into her home and we heard a little bit of screaming and thats that was our last contact with her. The lines are very clear now. Hamas has shown its true colors and this comes from someone on the israeli left, hamas has shown its colors. They are a force for evil, savagery and inhuman behavior. Mike Benjamin Netanyahu promised it would reverberate through generations and punishing and unprecedented in terms of the volume and the scope of this air Campaign Going into the gaza strip. It continues tonight. The Palestinian HealthMinistry Said 830 palestinians have been killed so for, thousands injured. More than 1,000 israelis were targeted and killed. You have the Ground Forces at the ready, armor at the gaza border, ready to roll in. That being said, Israel Security council started meeting an hour, an hour and a half ago, and see if the tanks start to roll and the anticipated Ground Offensive begins. John. John well be watching for that. Thanks. A quick update, The Press Pool has been called in for the president s speech, so sandra, we should be hearing from him in the next little while. Sandra tom cotton joining us now. We did just get the update, a photo inside the Situation Room where the white house says the president sat down with his teams to receive an update on the Terrorist Attack in israel and to direct next steps. What do you want to hear from the president as he is about to speak . Sandra, we need to hear what the president is going to do to avenge the deaths of at least 11 americans and missing, and along withstanding aside israel and the atrocity of unparalleled savagery. And women raped and mutilated, families burned alive. What israel needs is total freedom of action to go into gaza and to destroy hamas, just just as a terrorist group, a Governing Entity And Social Movement and President Biden needs to make it clear when that happens, in 7, 10, 14 days, we see socalled civilian casualties because hamas is using civilians as human shields, hes not going to listen to the calls from the left to demand restraint or proportionality or ceasefire. Second, hear President Biden express his regret for the iran policy which has helped lead us to this point. Iran is the worlds worst State Sponsor of terrorism. Hamas could not exist on the scale and brutality it does without the support from iran. The president needs to immediately halt the 6 billion transfer to iran, Begin Sanctions against iranian oil shipping, enrichment to the tune of tens of billions of dollars, and warn iran directly in no Uncertain Terms if they attempt to take advantage of this situation, if they unleash their other proxy hezbollah on israel, they will be met with a Ferocious American response as well. The president needs to make it clear what hes going to do to protect americans, to stand beside israel as long as it takes and change course on the disastrous iran policy. John there are reports that high level iranian spy ring is uncovered in washington, d. C. , at the same time administrations iran envoy and the Jcpoa Rob Malley has had his Security Clearance revoked or suspended, at the very least. At the moment, there is no evidence of any wrongdoing by malley, but i know republicans in congress, and i would count you among them, are very frustrated about the lack of transparency regarding this issue by the State Department. What can you tell us . Rob malley is pro iran idealogue, and he is responsible for bringing in the iranian influence circle to the Biden Administration. One of whom to my knowledge still sits in the pentagon as the Chief Of Staff for the Assistant Secretary Of Defense for special operations. Every one of these people should have their Security Clearance revoked and removed from any position of power or influence until allegations can be thoroughly investigated. We cannot risk having iranian Influence Operations being conducted inside the United States government at a time that israel is about to launch a major war against one of irans worst proxies in the middle east. These people should have never been in our government, shouldnt be in positions of power now. Sandra we are told we have the shot up now of the white house podium where the president is about to address the nation, address the world on next steps, and how we are going to prepare to go forward at israels side here. Senator, as far as priorities are concerned, will the white house get this right on how we act next . I dont know, sandra. Tradition going back many years demanding restraint and ceasefire is protecting its own people. President biden has to give israel the time and the freedom of action it needs. He also has to reverse disastrous iran policy. Even jimmy carter in late 1979 after they overthrew the shah in iran and afghanistan changed course. The president has to change course after appeasement and weakness and concessions to the worlds worst State Sponsor of terrorism, iran, responsible for creating hamas at the scale and brutality it exists today. John you spent time in the u. S. Military, you know the value of intelligence, people are talking about the lack of intelligence that led them to kill so many people. It goes to this administration, take a listen to what Jake Sullivan, the National Security adviser said about the middle east just 12 days ago. We want to depressurize, deescalate and ultimately integrate the middle east region. The war in yemen is in the 19 month truce. For now the iranian attacks against u. S. Forces have stopped, our presence in iraq is stable. Emphasize for now, all of that can change. And the middle east region is quieter today than it has been in two decades. John the middle east is quieter today than it has been in two decades. I mean they were caught so flatfooted its stunning. Yeah, john, and quiet up to saturday. More than 80 attacks by iran or proxies, income none of which have been answered. Iran has been killing ukrainians by providing drones and other weapons to russia, no consequences. Administration has looked the other way and refused to enforce sanctions against iran oil sanctions, putting aside the 6 billion they paid as ransom for american hostages. Three years, and 11 years under barack obama and joe biden, United States will not stand up for itself or allies in the region. Its essential we reverse President Bidens iran policy and that we take a stand against iran and all of its proxies everywhere in the firmest possible terms. Sandra i ask you about priorities because we are left wondering what exactly we are about to hear from this administration, from the president himself, after john kirby came on this network yesterday afternoon with martha and was asked about the president prioritizing Climate Change as an existential threat, more so than nuclear war. Given all the nuclear players in these two areas where we are now engaged, does the president stand by that comment . Absolutely he does. Climate change is an existential threat. It threatens and is capable of wiping out all Human Life On Earth over time, i mean, i dont know how more existential you can get. Sandra interesting moment right in the middle of all of this, senator. Look, these are not serious people. John kirby is talking about Climate Change at a time when hamas has cut off the heads of babies in israel. Jake sullivan, the National Security adviser has said a couple weeks ago the middle east is as quiet as it has been in 20 years. We had 11 americans killed, even more potentially taken hostage or missing, and we havent heard publicly from the president in two days. This administration is overmatched by events and paralyzed in a crisis. Its so important that President Biden and the remarks coming up make it clear he is going to reverse course, hes going to confront iran, take actions like halting the 6 billion payment for american hostages, enforce sanctions against iranian oil shipping, end financial payments toward the palestinians and give israel a free hand to destroy hamas inside of gaza. Anything less will simply embolden iran and its proxies like hamas and hezbollah to the north of israel. John senator tom cotton from the great state of arkansas, thank you, sir. Thank you. John mark dubowitz, ceo for the defense of democracy, we talk about iran and the policy toward iran, what the president might say about irans involvement in all of this. And the New York Post wrote about this, and i want to just read this out for everybody, this is a quote from gabriel, a former Special Adviser said temptation by this administration and they have been very clear, they have been trying to pretend this isnt their problem and the reason they are doing that is because they dont want their iran policy to get screwed. Talk to us if you would, mark, about this Administration Iran policy and you you believe it needs to change in light of the hell thats unfolding in israel. Look, john, total failure. You remember President Biden after he won the election, he said that president trumps maximum Pressure Campaign was a total failure, and that he was going to relieve the pressure on iran and return to diplomacy effectively without leverage. Whats happened is after almost three years the iranians have escalated their Nuclear Program massively under bidens watch, didnt want to test trump but they are Testing Biden and they recognize hes interested in appeasement. Hes interesting in diplomacy, hes not interested in pressure. The Supreme Leader of iran, most competent, toughest middle east dictator of a generation has tested american resolve, found it wanting and pushes forward when he feels american mush, and pushes back with american steel. Sandra Jake Sullivan at the White House Press briefing after the president speaks, an hour and 16 minutes past when they said he would speaking, we want to depressurize, the war in yemen is the 19th month of truce, for now attacks against the u. S. Forces have stopped, our presence in iraq is stable, what is your fear we have gotten this so wrong as to what this is going to now lead to . Well, sandra, i think the Biden Administration has this wrong. Many members of congress on both sides of the aisle have gotten it right. And they say they had a strategy to surround israel with a ring of fire, which is massive conventional weapons, missiles and terrorists on every one of israels borders and multiple attacks against american soldiers. I think 84 attacks, four minor u. S. Responses under the Biden Administration. So, i think mr. Sullivans assessment obviously was wrong but unfortunately mr. Sullivan also was negotiating the original iran deal in 2013 under the assumption that you can give significant concessions to the iranians and they will deescalate and the one thing we know about the Supreme Leader of iran, you flash weakness, he will escalate and take the region into further bloodshed. John you might have heard the sound bite from Jake Sullivan, said the middle east region is quieter today than it has been in decades, and lots of questions about how the United States, how israel missed this, planning was in the works for weeks, if not months, did they miss low Tech Planning expecting they were going to see hightech attacks. What reuters said in an article, hamas gave israel the impression that it was not ready for a fight, said a source close to hamas. Hamas used unprecedented intelligence tactic to mislead israel over the last months by giving a public impression it was not willing to go into a fight or confrontation with israel, the same time, preparing for the massive operation. The reuters article says hamas was preparing for this in plain sight, they built a mockup of an israeli village, conducting Assault Drills around it, and nobody thought they would actually do it. Look, unfortunately the israelis adopted the american conception that hamas was the leader of gaza, in charge of 2 million people, they did not want to escalate, didnt want war, didnt want to lose popularity inside gaza and so they stayed out of a recent conflict that was run by another Terrorist Proxy of irans call palestinian Islamic Jihad. Israelis got it wrong, americans got it wrong, but the Supreme Leader is lighting up the west bank, and israeli cities and as the forces were diverted from the southern border it left to the western border, it left the southern border basically open for hamass penetration. Sandra Wall Street Journal writes wake up washington, return of war against israel is not an isolated event, says the latest installment in the unravelling of global order as American Political will and military primacy are called into question. If ever a wakeup moment, you would think this is it. Look, we have had a lot of wakeup moments, and 9 11 was a massive moment but debacle over the withdrawal of afghanistan, demonstration of american weakness. Biden Administration Iran policy of tens of billions of dollars to iran, and exchange the iranians have massively escalated. And also a wakeup call when Vladimir Putin invaded ukraine, much to the shock and surprise of nato, including the United States. A lot of wakeup moments where we know the access of tyranny, china, russia, iran, north korea, Testing American will and found it wanting. We shouldnt be surprised when the vicious dictators push forward aggressively, against u. S. Interests, israeli interests, our allies, shouldnt be surprised when they think they can Massacre Americans and israelis with impunity and i hope unwavering support does not mean for a week and then tony blinken trying to get a ceasefire with the turks, the biggest funders of hamas after the iranians, and that he actually gives the israelis the time and space to destroy hamas inside gaza. That will be a message to the iranians and others that the United States is a serious power again. John mark, also the lingering psychological aspect of this for israeli families. Daniel levy, former negotiator peace, said this, israel has suffered a strategic surprise despite sophisticated hightech weaponry, spy ware and intelligence agency. Israel cannot keep its people safe anymore, and that will be hard to recover from. You know, Going Forward with the constant threat from enemies all around, thats not a comforting thought for the israeli people. No, i disagree with that. I think hes got it totally wrong. I think its been a massive blow. I spent 14 months in israel, i got back a month ago. You can never underestimate the unbelievable courage and resilience of the israeli people. My friends, family, you know, they are suffering a massive blow, we heard the Horror Stories but they are back in the combat units, israelis are flying to join their units, they should not be underestimated and with backing of the United States, support of the International Communities israelis will fight. They have no choice but to fight and they would rather die on their feet than on their knees and the past couple days have shown what happens when they are left defenseless and what the enemies will do to us. And remind americans, worse than 9 11, worse of isis in the middle east. Can you imagine having isis in the cities and towns, coming to the schools and neighborhoods and slaughtering your children. Thats what happened to israel over the last couple of days. Israelis are not going to give up. John resilience is remarkable, no question. Sandra the israeli airstrikes are intensifying in gaza. It has entered the fourth day. Mark, we remind everybody as we are about to hear from the u. S. President , foreign governments Around The World are trying to determine how many of their citizens are dead, missing or in need of medical help or flights home. The president of the United States is now stepping up to the microphone, well listen. Good afternoon. You know moments in this life, i mean this literally, pure evil is unleashed on this world. People of israel lived through one such moment this weekend. Bloody hands of the terrorist organization hamas, a group whose stated purpose for being is to kill jews, this is an act of sheer evil. More than 1,000 civilians slaughtered, not just killed, slaughtered in israel. Among them, at least 14 american citizens killed. Parents butchered using their bodies to try to protect their children. Stomachturning reports of babies being killed. Entire families slain. Young people massacred while attending a musical festival to celebrate peace, to celebrate peace. Women raped, assaulted, paraded as trophies. Families hid for hours and hours to keep their children quiet to avoid drawing attention. And thousands of wounded, alive but carrying with them the bullet holes and the Shrapnel Wounds and memories of what they endured. You know the traumas never go away. Still so many families desperately waiting to hear the fate of their loved ones, not knowing if they are alive or dead or hostages. Infants in their mothers arms, grandparents in wheelchairs, Holocaust Survivors abducted and held hostage. Hostages whom hamas has threatened to execute in violation of every code of human morality. Its abhorent. Brutality of hamas, Blood Thirstyness brings to mind the worst the worst rampages of isis. This is terrorism. But sadly for the jewish people, its not new. This attack has brought to the surface painful memories and the scars left by a millennia of antisemitism and genocide of the jewish people. So in this moment we must be crystal clear. We stand with israel. We stand with israel. And we will make sure israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defense itself in respond to this attack. Theres no justification for terrorism. Theres no excuse. Hamas does not stand for the palestinians peoples right to dignity and selfdetermination. Stated purpose is annihilation of the state of israel and jewish people. They use people as human shields. Hamas offers nothing but terror and bloodshed with no regard who pays the price. The loss of innocent life is heartbreaking. Like every nation in the world, israel has the right to respond and indeed has a duty to respond to these vicious attacks. I just got off the phone with a third call with Prime Minister netanyahu, and i told him the United States experience our response will be swift, decisive and overwhelming. We also discussed how democracies like israel and the United States are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law. Terrorists purposely target civilians, kill them. We uphold the laws of war, the law of war. It matters, theres a difference. Today americans across the country are praying for all those families that have been ripped apart. A lot of us know how it feels, it leaves a black hole in your chest when you lose family. You feel like you are being sucked in. The anger, the pain. Sense of hopelessness. This is what they mean by human tragedy. Atrocity on an appalling scale. We are going to continue to stand united, supporting the people of israel who are suffering unspeakable losses and opposing the hatred and the violence of terrorism. My team has been in near constant communication with our israeli partners and across the region and the world from the moment this crisis began. We are surging additional military assistance, including ammunition and interceptors to replenish iron dome. We are going to make sure israel does not run out of these critical assets to defend its cities and citizens. My administration has consulted closely with congress throughout this crisis. When congress returns, we are going to ask them to take urgent action to fund the National Security requirements of our critical partners. This is not about party or politics. This is about the security of our world, security of the United States of america. We now know that american citizens are among those held by hamas. Ive directed my team to share intelligence and deploy additional experts from across the United States government to consult with and advise israeli counterparts on Hostage Recovery efforts. Because as president i have no higher priority than the safety of americans being held hostage Around The World. United states has also enhanced our Military Force Posture in the region, to strengthen our deterrents. The Department Of Defense has moved the u. S. S. Gerald r. Ford Carrier Strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean and bolstered the Fighter Aircraft presence, and we stand ready to move in additional assets as needed. Let me say again. To any country, any organization, any one thinking of taking advantage of the situation, i have one word, dont. Dont. Or hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear. Yesterday i also spoke with leaders of france, germany, italy and u. K. To discuss the latest developments with our european allies and coordinate our united response. This comes on top of days of steady engagement with partners across the region. We are also taking steps at home in cities across the United States of america, Police Departments have stepped up around centers of jewish life and the department of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau Of Investigation are working closely with Jewish Community partners to identify and disrupt any domestic threat that could emerge in connection with the horrific attacks. This is a moment for the United States to come together, to grieve with those who are mourning. Lets be real clear. There is no place for hate in america. Not against jews, not against muslims, not against anybody. We reject, we reject, what we reject is terrorism. We condemn the evil just as we have always done. Thats what america stands for. You know, just over 50 years ago i was thinking about it this morning talking to the Secretary Of State and the Vice President in my office, over 50 years ago as a young senator i visited israel for the first time as a newly elected senator. And i had a long, long trip, meeting with golda in her office before the yom kippur war. I guess she could see the consternation in my face as she described what they were facing. We walked outside in that sort of hallway outside her office to have some photos looked at me and said would you like to have a photograph. And so i got up and followed her out. We were standing there silent looking at the press. You could tell i guess i was concerned. She leaned over and whispered to me. She said dont worry, senator biden, we have a secret weapon here in israel. My word, what she said. We have no place else to go. We have no place else to go. For 75 years israel stood as the guarantor of the security of jewish people Around The World. So the atrocities of the past could never happen again. Let there be no doubt, the you state has israels back. We will make sure the jewish and Democratic State of israel can defend itself today, tomorrow, as we always have. Its as simple as that. Atrocities, sickening. We are with israel, lets make no mistake. Thank you. Mr. President , what was your reaction mr. President are you going to unfreeze the 6 billion, mr. President . Sandra update at the very top of his address, a new death toll for americans killed, 14. As i. E. As he addressed thousands slaughtered, and says he has no higher priority than that. We are in constant communication with israel, calling it an act of sheer evil unleashed on the world. Pure unadulterred evil. John and the worst rampages of isis but glaringly missing from the speech was any mention of hamas benefactor, iran, and any potential involvement that they might have had in this. So, to kick that around, Jason Chaffetz and marie harf. Are you surprised the president didnt mention iran . Disappointed. The president , i thought, gave a heartfelt support of israel. I saw no new news there. It was irresponsible i think for the president to not mention iran. No word to iran, nothing about weapons coming out of afghanistan that were american, nothing about the intelligence failures, hes got to show some strength. I appreciate the bipartisan heartfelt support of israel, but you better put the world on notice that the United States of america is not going to stand for anybody else to participate, and to not mention iran is just total malpractice by the president of the United States. Sandra marie harf is also with us. Thank you, jason. Marie, did you hear a Clear Strategy how we will address the americans held hostage by hamas . Well, sandra, unequivocal statement of support. No both sides here from joe biden. He said we stand with israel, period, and that they have a duty to defend themselves and indeed to punish those responsible. He did talk about support for the Hostage Rescue Operations that are going out, he spoke about that a little bit, obviously the United States and israel will Work Together to get those hostages freed. And also talked about surging American Military assets to the region. In part, as a warning, you know, he did not say iran by name but put on notice iran, hezbollah, and others that may take advantage, dont do it. They are moving American Assets to the region, and help the israelis defend themselves and moving when he quoted what golda mayer said, we have nowhere else to go. Those words were so powerful and moving and i think unequivocal statement of support, glad he was so strong. John the president said any Country Thinking of taking advantage, i have one word, dont. From all reports that we have had, iran has already done that and yet he didnt mention anything about them. Well, make no mistake. The situation could get much worse, particularly if hezbollah decides to open a twofront war for israel. We have seen some concerning signs in the north. I think joe biden putting them on notice, dont go any further. There is an interesting conversation in israel among intelligence officials here as well, about the extent of irans specific involvement and planning of this attack. No question of irans support for hamas at large but there are intelligence officials right now, many of whom in israel, looking at exactly what iran did in this case and this is an intelligence failure, most importantly on the israeli side. I know they are looking hard about what they missed and dont want to miss anything else. President biden putting on notice others in the region. Sandra jason, did you get the sense there are concrete steps that we are now taking, i mean, he just confirmed 14 americans dead. Americans are being held hostage right now. Do you believe that there was a bigger obligation on the part of the president to lay out exactly how we are going to proceed and send a firmer message that this cannot happen . Ill give a little latitude to a president who has to get hostages out. You dont telegraph that in advance. What about the 6 billion in iran. How can you not mention that . John kirby told us yeah, they could pull it back. Why isnt the president saying ok, you are not getting that money he could have done things like that and he didnt. John Jason Chaffetz, marie harf, thanks for following up with us. Appreciate it. Spending more time together, thank you. Sandra Student Organizations at harvard, meanwhile, now facing intense backlash after they released a letter which blamed israel for hamass deadly Terrorist Attacks, over two dozen Student Organizations signed on to the letter from the harvard palestine solidarity group, and now people are condemning their words. Its not just harvard. Playing out on college campuses. Molly line is live in cambridge with more on this. Molly, is the school speaking out . Yes, after high profile alumni, as well as a former president harshly criticized the university and the student groups, releasing the statement blaming israel for the brutal hamas attacks. Harvards president has finally responded, this today from her, she writes let there be no doubt i condemn the terrorist atrocities. Let me also state on this matter as on others our students have the right to speak for themselves, no student group, not even 30 student groups, speaks for Harvard University or its leadership. The Office Of The President released a Statement Last night as well but failed to address the student groups, reading in part we write to you heart broken by the death and destruction unleashed by the attack by hamas and the war in israel and gaza underway. Harvards slow response resulted in a waterfall of high profile criticism, including members of congress from both sides of the political aisle, ted cruz, stefanik and others, said i have never been as disillusioned. They are blaming the violence on israel, sickened and after harvards late response, a disappointed summers posted again, the delayed harvard leadership statement fails to meet the needs of the moment. Yesterday Afternoon Hundreds of pro palestinian protestors took to the streets in cambridge. Police monitoring tense moments as counter protestors arrived near city hall. Tense moments across the country. Thank you. John following the president s speech, a live look at the White House Briefing room, we are waiting for the National Security adviser, Jake Sullivan and Karine Jeanpierre to brief, in the next few minutes. Stay with us. We are going to take a quick break. But with my moderatetosevere eczema, it hasnt always been easy. I was constantly itching. Whatever i was doing now, im staying ahead of my eczema theres a power inside all of us to live our passion. And dupixent works on the inside, to help heal your skin from within. It helps block a key source of inflammation inside the body that can cause eczema. So, adults can have long lasting, clearer skin and fast itch relief serious allergic reactions can occur, that can be severe. Tell your doctor about new or worsening eye problems, such as eye pain or vision changes, including blurred vision, joint aches and pains, or a parasitic infection. Dont change or stop asthma medicines without talking to your doctor. Healing from within is a powerful thing. Ask your Eczema Specialist how dupixent can help heal your skin from within. This is american infrastructure, a prime target for cyberattacks. But the same aipowered security that protects all of google also defends these services for everyone who lives here. Icy hot. Ice works fast. Heat makes it last. Feel the power of contrast therapy. So you can rise from pain. Icy hot. Sandra dozens of families remain in limbo waiting to hear the status of their loved ones in the wake of hamas surprise attacks. As many as 150 people are unaccounted for, many feared held hostage. Among the missing, at least four americans as confirmed by the president a moment ago. Their families pleading the u. S. Government for help adding to their desperation, hamas threatening to kill a hostage every time israel strikes gaza. More on that for us, matt. And a short while ago the president acknowledged u. S. Citizens are among the missing and directing his team to share intelligence and deploy experts to consult with israel in Hostage Recovery. There are many horrific videos showing women, men and children suddenly taken captive by hamas. They estimate they are holding 150 soldiers and civilians as hostage, and there is also a baby. Hamas is threatening to start executing hostages if israel strikes civilians without warning. One couple from chicago says their son was abducted from a Music Festival they learned a portion of his arm was blown off. He sent two quick Text Messages saying im sorry and i love you. I took it to mean i love you and im sorry because whatever is going to happen is going to cause you tremendous pain and worry. Mentioned his name and people smile. Hes fun to be around, and makes people feel good. And one young woman tells fox news her family discovered the brother was abducted sent an unknown video appearing to show her brother held captive, marching through the streets, likely hamas propaganda. She says shes having difficulty watching this footage. They posted a lot of disturbing videos and pictures on telegram, and i can im sorry, i cant watch this video. This afternoon there are any number of americans in israel trying to get out. We have talked to some of them. Its growing more difficult as airlines like delta and american have stopped flying into tel aviv. Sandra. Matt, thank you very much. John. John the war in the middle east impacting the energy markets, chevron ordered to shut down a gas platform near gaza and they say the Biden Administration has botched itself in on oil production. The president has faced pushback on what many say are the antifossil fuel possibilities, iran has been ramping up production. Hitting a fiveyear high. Edward lawrence has more from the white house. Iran seems to keep getting away with it, ed. Iran keeps coming up in this, and President Biden did not mention iran by name specifically, the administration is saying they are looking to see if there is a connection between iran and the attack from hamas, but at the moment, they believe they have not found what they have said a direct connection at this time. The Wall Street Journal says there were weekly meetings between iran and hamas and began, to meet with the National Security team and give updates and direction on next steps. The president held 17 calls and meetings over saturday, sunday, and monday, with his National Security team. The president and the Vice President have held more than three dozen meetings, briefings and calls since the attacks on israel began. The president will continue to be relentless in ensuring that israel and the israeli people have what they need in support from the United States to defend themselves in the addition, weeks, months and years ahead. As you know, you have heard directly from the president and i have the National Security adviser Jake Sullivan here to take your questions on this issue. Thanks, everybody. Ill make a few comments and then be happy to take your questions. Like many of you, we have watched in horror and anguish the scenes of butchery against innocent civilians at the hands of Hamas Terrorists in israel and the more we learn, the greater our grief. More than 1,000 men, women and children were slaughtered in their homes, on their streets, desert fields. And among them at least 14 americans. We mourn for all their lives and we are actively working with israelis to determine the whereabouts of the missing, including missing american citizens. As the president just said, what we have seen from hamas these past few days was the same evil and barbaridy from isis. H h horrors on elderly, women, children, and bonds between israel and america run long and deep and we stand with israel, not just in these dark days but at all times. As karine just said, the president is deeply engaged giving direction to the National Security team to take action and support israel in the hour of need. United states has surged ammunition and interceptors for iron dome and spoke with Prime Minister netanyahu to talk about additional capabilities israel will need and pledged american planes will be landing in israel with those capabilities in the days ahead. And now at the direction of the president we are working with congress to make sure that israel maintains supply of these critical assets to defend its cities and citizens, as well as the many u. S. Citizens who live, work and travel in israel. Also at President Bidens direction, the u. S. Miliry has enhanceed the forced posture in the region to strengthen deterrence, including a Carrier Strike group in the eastern meds taken and additional assets as necessary. Let me be clear. We did not move the carrier for hamas. We moved the carrier to send a clear message of deterrence to other states or nonstate actors that might seek to widen the war. The president has tasked us engaging in Contingency Planning and we are consulting with allies and partners as well with the potential scenarios in the days ahead. Repeat what we have said and the president said, including anyone exploiting the situation loud and clear. United states has always had and will always have israels back. And to the families undergoing the unfamthomable pain, our hearts go out to you. Cannot understand the anguish you are feeling right now. We know u. S. Citizens are missing and among the hostages. We are working with the Israeli Government and the regional partners on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the u. S. Government to advise the Israeli Government and coordinate with them on Hostage Recovery efforts. As the president just said, there is no higher priority than the safety and wellbeing of american citizens being held hostage overseas. Over the coming days well continue to stand strongly with israel to ensure it is able to defend itself, and my team and i are working with our colleagues across the u. S. Government every hour to keep the president updated on the latest developments, to take his direction and put it into action and will continue following his direction to provide people of israel in this time of need. Thank you, jake. Go ahead. On the american hostages, can you first of all tell us how many are we talking about, several a dozen hostages, do you know anything about their condition at all . We do not know about their condition and cannot confirm a precise number of american citizens. We believe there are 20 or more americans who at this point are missing but i want to underscore and stress, that does not mean 20 or more american hostages. But that is the number currently unaccounted for. We will work hour by hour, both to determine whether we can account for any of those americans, or to confirm exactly what the number of americans are being held hostage and we will come back to you with that information as soon as we have it. As you know, very sadly and tragically, the number of dead has risen with each passing hour, and thats true of the total number, and true of americans, gone up just today from an earlier report this morning of 12, then 13, and now 14. I cannot give you a precise number. I can tell you the number of unaccounted for at this time. That number could change to but underscore its not a statement from me we have that many hostages. We do not know at this time. Did the president discuss with the Prime Minister the possibility of a Ground Incursion into gaza and also how that might affect the american hostages that are in gaza that are now confirmed . Im not going to get into the operational discussions that the president and the Prime Minister had. That is important for them to be able to keep a discreet channel between them. The president and the Prime Minister did discuss how the United States can deploy expertise to help work on the Hostage Recovery efforts, that is what the United States is in the process of doing right now. Under what circumstances would you put American Forces on the ground to help out . At this point that is not something at this point that is not under planning. When we talk about sending experts, its people that can work on intelligence, coordination with the Israeli Government. Were not sending any forces to israel. Ill leave it at that for now. Has the president spoken to my of the families of the 14 american citizens that were kid . He has not spoken with the families. The State Department has been in contact with the families. The president has been making this his highest priorities as he makes it a decision on determining who is happening with the missing and to ensure that we can secure the bodies of those that have perished and ensured that they get returned to their loved ones. Are you reaching out to those that may be unaccounted for . One American Family says theres no formal attempt by the u. S. Government to update the families. We have updated the families of the unaccounted for americans. If theres some americans that have not been reached out to, that would be remedied immediately because secretary blinken, President Biden and everybody in the u. S. Government is making this the highest priority. So we are in very regular contact with every family who has someone either missing or unaccounted for. Anyone who is not on that list for whatever reason, we will take care of that. That will be our highest priority. Thanks, jake. Two quick questions. One for clarity. The iron dome replenishment, has it arrived or on its way . Some of the intercepters have come out of stock that the u. S. Had in country. Those have gone to the israelis in short order. We will be flowing in additional Iron Dome Intercepters so that they have the capabilities to sustain their systems. Were looking at other ways we can help augment their air defense capabilities not just only to what is happening now but potential contingencies that can unfold. Secondly, what can you say about iran i role in the attack . Is that one of the actors youre worried about widening the war . Weve said that iran is complicit in this attack because they have provided the lions share for the funding for the military wing of hamas, they have provided training, capabilities, provided support. And they have had engagement and contact with hamas over years and years. All of that has played a role in contributing to what the we have seen now. As to the question of whether iran knew about this attack in advance or helped plan or direct this attack, we do not as of the moment im standing here at the podium have confirmation of that. Were talking to our israeli counter parts daily about this question. Were looking back through our Intelligence Holdings to see if we have any further information on that. Were looking to acquire further intelligence. If theres an update to that ill share it with you. As i stand here today, while iran plays this broad role