People have been taken and are killed. That is, we are really going to see this unfold in the next days and weeks. 100 . Have you heard directly from the people that were able to escape, that music and Dance Festival which apparently had thousands of people . Yeah, they spoke to my brother. They are one of them is in the hospital. The other one is at home. Did they talk at all about what they experienced and how they were able to get away . I havent heard details. I think there is a lot of trauma and processing going on. Were only really getting the details in the coming weeks. I will share that another one of my friends is an Avid Festival Goer here in tel aviv. She told me that many of her Community Members were there. Many, many, many of her friends have yet to respond to her. Shes fearing for the worst. Rachel, do you feel safe right now in your apartment, in your community . I feel physically safe in my apartment and in my community. I trust that the idf is doing what they can to protect us. Im fearful that the terrorists, the many, many, many terrorists that infiltrated israel are all over and are going to stay and enact violence when they have the opportunity wherever that may be. Im a vigilant. I, all i can think about is my friends who are going down to gaza, to other places as part of their military reserves. Im just praying for their safety today. Thousands of israelis all over israel were donating blood, lines and lines of people donating blood, people buying food and items from the supermarket. We spent hours packing boxes to be sent to all of these soldiers. We are really focused on that. I feel safer in tel aviv and then my friends elsewhere. Rachel kastner, since im unable to extend a hug to you physically, im sending you my best thoughts and keeping you in my prayers. I thank you for sharing your story with us. Im going to be thinking about you. Stay safe. Thank you, alex. Thank you so much. The horrifying developments, you are hearing them right there, including some new words about hostages, plus the Breaking News about the u. S. Military and what moves it is planning to make as fighting escalates. Thats coming your way in this next hour. Tes. Thats coming your way in this next hour. As i bid you all a very good afternoon here in los angeles, welcome, everyone, to alex witt reports. Youve been hearing it. We are beginning just after the top of the hour here with the Breaking News from The Middle East. We also have new video to share. It shows already some funerals taking place after the hamas attack on israel. You can see the video right there. The government officially declared war. With gunfire on the Israel Lebanon border in a brief exchange with the hezbollah militant group, there are fears of a widening escalating conflict. Israeli Defense Officials tell me right here that the death toll is expected to rise. The official tally is 700 dead israelis. That unfortunately is not the final number. We have more than 2000 wounded, hundreds of them severely wounded. That will change as well. There is a high number of israelis held in gaza by these barbaric monsters. Relatives have been missing today, undertaking the very grim task of submitting dna samples of their loved ones to help identify the dead. Israeli forces released new video showing the rescue of hostages taken by hamas. Israeli media says at least 100 people have been kidnapped. That includes women, children, and the elderly. U. S. Officials say theyre looking into reports that americans might be among them. Meanwhile, the battles continue in the streets of southern israel and in the skies over gaza. Do you hear that . Retaliatory air strikes by israel destroying several residential buildings in gaza, sending survivors scurrying to safety in the plumes of smoke billow. In gaza, more than 400 people have been killed, 2300 injured. This is according to the Palestinian Health ministry. And vatican city, pope francis offered prayers of comfort to those experiencing terror and anguish. His prayer for peace comes against the backdrop of a longstanding and deep divisions now resurfacing in the wake of the attack. Our reporters and analysts are standing by from washington to israel to lebanon to bring us the latest on this breaking and developing story. Were first going to go to nbcs raf sanchez in southern israel. Reporting has been extraordinary. Lets talk about whats going on right now where you are. I know that you spoke to the family of a young woman who was kidnapped by hamas. I want to hear about that as well. Yeah, alex. We have moved since we spoke to you two hours ago. Weve been traveling on the road behind me. Its one of the main north south highways in israel. Coming from the north, heading towards the south, weve seen an endless stream of israeli tanks, Armored Vehicles being carried on trailers, Heading South to the gaza border. Thats yet another indicator that israel is preparing for a potential largescale Ground Offensive. I want to show you whats going on behind me. If my Camera Operator Dave Copeland could just zoom in here, you can see these are Israeli Forces manning a Flying Checkpoint on this very busy highway. Their Assault Rifles are over the bonnet of their car and they are very, very tense. We dont know exactly why every time a vehicle comes from the south from the direction of gaza, these Israeli Security forces tense up. That underscores one of the almost unbelievable realities of the situation here, that nearly 48 hours after this surprise attack, the Israeli Military has still not regained full control of israeli territory. There are still palestinian gunmen at large. Thats why this checkpoint is in place. Alex, in terms of the interview we just wrapped up, a young woman called noah, she is 25 years old. Shes an engineering student. She has sort of become the face of the Hostage Crisis in this country. She was at the Music Festival that you were talking about with your last guest with her boyfriends and there is a video haunting israel today showing her being carried on the back of a motorcycle into gaza. Her boyfriend has his hands tied behind his back, looking on helplessly as shes carried away. Shes the only daughter of her father. We spoke to him earlier. This man was going through the universal agony of a parent who knows that his child is in danger. He could barely breathe when i asked him what he would say to the People Holding her. Please, please, i beg, you dont hurt her. We also spoke to some of her friends who were at the festival trying to comfort her father. I want you to listen to a little bit of a conversation. I think the most terrifying thing is her voice and the look on her face. This is why i think this you can see the horror of her saying, i dont want to die. You can see the end of her life right now. For me, i couldnt believe it. Im getting shivers right now just thinking about it. It was an eternity for me. I have obviously seen it over and over and over again. Everyone was saying it was her. Alex, as you can imagine, you have parents all over israel tonight who are watching that video and are wondering, what if that was my child . This Music Festival is turning out to be one of the most horrific scenes in this widespread carnage all across southern israel. We are still hearing the sounds of israeli fighter jets overhead who are carrying out these airstrikes in gaza. Every indication that we are seeing on the ground is that israel is preparing for a largescale Ground Offensive into the gaza strip. Alex . Let me ask you about the scene behind you there. Can you tell me how many people are traveling right now . I grant you there is a checkpoint that your camera and was able to show us. Is there a long queue of lines . What direction is that going behind you . Is it heading north away from the border . Yeah, so, just to give you the direction here, this checkpoint is facing towards the south. They are facing towards cars coming from the direction of gaza. The only thing that could make this nightmare worse from an israeli perspective is if somehow some of these gunman were able to slip through the net that Israeli Forces have set up here and could somehow take the Carnage North toward tel aviv, Tore Jerusalem which has not happened yet. These Security Forces are on such hilar to prevent that from happening. In this direction, this is travel going from the north to the south. You can see there is a cocacola truck coming past me now. Im not exaggerating when i tell you i would guess perhaps one of vehicle in 15 as it passes behind me is a heavy Trailer Truck Carrying either and its battle tanks or an Armored Personnel Carrier or some other piece of Israeli Military hardware. It was a nearly endless stream of Israeli Special forces who were racing. It was early in the morning at that point. They were racing south to confront the gunman who were there in their hundreds today. Its heavily armored traveling in this direction. They are bringing military resources to support their efforts. Thank you so much for all of those details. I appreciate you. Excellent reporting, my friend. Joining us from washington, and equally excellent reporter, courtney kube. What can you tell us about the military moves in The Middle East . Are they imminent . Has the order been given it to launch . Yes, they have started moving. Like were just hearing from ralph, the Israeli Military is moving capabilities. Its for a different purpose. According to the officials who are now saying that there is an entire Carrier Strike group moving toward the eastern med, they are saying this is for a show of support for the israeli people and the Israeli Military and government. What we are talking about here is the uss gerald r ford, a carrier, a u. S. Aircraft carrier, and the associated ships in the strike group. That includes destroyers, a cruiser, and th a full Complementf Rcft Which will be assigned to those ships. Were talking thousands of sailors, pilots, u. S. Marine corps pilots and u. S. Service Members Associated with it in addition to that, there will also be,the s. Military will, as they say, augment so o the Aircraft Squadrons already in the re that includes sending dional f35s, f16s, and a tense. F35s a one of the most advanced fi. They are not only a Fighter Aircraft but also provide a lot of surveillance capabilities, things that we are not even allowed to technically know about at this point because some of the programs are so classified. In addition to that, the u. S. Is also announcing that they are fasttracking sending more munitions and additional equipment to the israelis. We heard a little bit about that out of the white house in the form of a statement, saying President Biden has ordered his administration to provide the israelis with the support that they have requested and that they need, alex. This is something that they will be reacting, courtney, as a request. Its not something that is initially volunteered by the u. S. Is that how this kind of thing works . Its not surprising when you see Something Like this happening where there are Tens Of Thousands or more, frankly, americans and dual american citizens in israel but its also a really close ally of the u. S. When Something Like this happens, when theres an attack like this, its pretty common for the u. S. Military to provide it has various terms, a show of support, maybe a show of president s, maybe even a show of strength depending on how they want to project the power. When youre talking about an Aircraft Carrier and the associated, if thats what theyre doing here, projecting power. There is another possible goal with some of these movements. If there needs to be some sort of a noncombatant evacuation, these large military ships off the coast in the Eastern Mediterranean could provide a platform to take americans, dual citizens out of the country and get them to safety pretty quickly. I will say there has been no order to do that. No ones talking about that. As we always hear, they are walking through their options if they are ordered to do some sort of a simulated evacuation. Hey, courtney, i want to see if you can address what is to the left of the screen. Im not sure you are able to see it. Given the experience covering the pentagon, it appears there are flares in the sky over the gaza strip. Those flares, is that how i understand it . You might have Special Forces on the ground. That wont do any damage, correct . You know what . Its you know, i am not sure what im not sure, but it could be elimination rounds. I suspect that right now, over the skies, they are seeing a lot of bright flashes. And it could be a combination of. Things the one thing that we do know that has worked really well, for the israelis since this all began, was the iron dome system. So that is and stop rockets i in fact one of the eye the same Lieutenant Colonel he did a briefing last night on twitter, where he said that the majority of the casualties that the israelis have suffered, have not been from rockets, and from fire. Coming from gaza. In fact, the majority have been coming from whats been happening on the ground. So in his words i will say many of them have been people who were close hand combat, or even executions. Yeah, absolutely we heard that as well. You have to wonder though if israel is launching any sort of rocket attacks, given the certainty that their hostages there. And we know that israel does not want to lose one precious life, as a result of taking out a target, and potentially hostages with them. Okay, courtney, you can get back to reporting, thank you so much my friend for. That lets go now to a very root, lebanon. We have nbcs welcome, so white house officials are worried about a possible second front to this war, that will come from lebanon to the north and hezbollah. What can you tell us about that . Yeah i mean alex, as i was saying before, when this all broke off, everyone was looking at the gaza strip, and at israel, but they were also looking here to lebanon, and has been all. Why hezbollah is kind of an organization, that is a little bit similar to hamas. It is backed by iran, and it frequently has very bloody, very violent engagements with the israelis. And we heard that anxiety, expressed by the white house, by National Security adviser john finer. He said that to our own jen psaki, just earlier today. Here is what he said. I so, okay, we dont have sound from him. But basically, he was saying that they are worried that hezbollah could be engaged. But we have seen some sightings now, of the fact that maybe, hezbollah wont be. They have basically said that they are in solidarity with hamas. They said that they are backing hamas, but they havent really taken action, in that regard. We did see some cross border fighting, just today. We saw the hezbollah attacking the farms. Now, this is an area thats disputed between israel and lebanon, and there was an exchange of fire. Has looking out and said that this was actually an expression of solidarity. And it is remarkable, from what is not remarkable about it, alex. As i was telling you earlier, they just got some weapons, some artillery and some guided missiles, into the farms. The Exchange Fire with the Israeli Military. It doesnt sound like anyone was injured, or anyone was killed. And that just goes to show that hezbollah seems to be taking, at this very moment, some restraint. But that could change, at any time, alex. Hey matt, given what you know a belt militants soldiers, however you want to identify them, within hezbollah. Is there any chance that anywhere along the border, would be, for lack of a better phrase, triggerhappy on their own accord . Would any of them ever fire weapons, shoot rockets, anything like that without having some sort of a directive from above . Yeah that happens all the time. And in fact this is kind of something that we have seen throughout the past several decades. But the fact is alex is that we havent seen a large scale confrontation between hezbollah and israel, for really the past 20 years not since 2006 so. Even if there is, and we saw as i mentioned, that restraint, and that Cross Border Extra Exchange upon. Thats the border between israel and lebanon, and it is controlled by United Nations officials and peacekeepers, and by lebanons own military. You know, the fact that they didnt blow it up means that if there is some sort of cross border shooting, at least at this very moment, it looks as though there will be restrained from both sides. But again, i have to stress, that could change, at anytime. Okay, matt thank you so much from brute, lebanon. And just in about congressman, who was in israel, when the war broke out. Weve just got some new information on him, we will share with you when we are back, in 60 seconds. In 60 seconds. So i know im taken care of. And not just me. But the ones who matter most to me. Today, my friend you did it, you did it, you did it. Centrum silver is now clinically shown to support Cognitive Health in older adults. Its one more step towards taking charge of your health. So every day, you can say, youuu did it with centrum silver. Tourists tourists that turn into scientists. Tourists photographing thousands of miles of remote coral reefs. That can be analyzed by ai in real time. So researchers can identify which areas are at risk. 20 past, with this breaking and help life underwater flourish. News. New today, flags at the u. S. Capitol were ordered to fly at half staff, this is in solidarity with israel, as the death toll from the war climbs on both sides. Im joined right now by nbcs julie tsirkin, who is joining us from capitol hill. So, i understand there is some Breaking News, about a congressman, julie. What do you know about who this, is where that congressman was . And was he or she, were they with family, were they traveling, where they on business, do you know . Yeah, this is congressman dan goldman of new york, he is a freshman lawmaker. I know before he was a congressman, he was often on this program, and an msnbc. He acted, of course, as one of the democratic lawyers, during the impeachment hearings, so we are all quite familiar with him. But he wasnt israel, traveling with his family, for a bar mitzvah. His spokesperson, putting out a statement just a time ago, if i can read you paroft. Saying, in part, that Congssman Goldman and his family, sheltered from hamas rocket fire, in their hotels, interior stairwell, angel early sunday morning, where they were able to and went on to say that Congressman Goldman is grateful for the assistance of the state department, and israeli authorities. And, he hopes all americans can come together to Support Israels right to defend herself, from terrorism and war crimes. I should note, this comes after we received a statement first, from nbc news from senator bookers office, senator cory booker, who is actually traveling as part of a delegation. It was just him, and his staff members. Israel was the first stop, on was supposed to be a multi nation trip. He was in jerusalem when the fire broke out, from the hamas attack. He was able to safely make it back home, to new jersey, and that is why his office then putting out that statement, saying he was safe. I also love to talk about what is going on in congress right now. Obviously, the senate and house members, frankly, are traveling, because they are not in session. The senate is out next week, but the house is operating without a speaker, in any case, something that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, frankly, are calling up as a problem, especially when it comes to the u. S. Government, potentially needing to respond. Congress needing to appropriate additional funds, for israel to be able to defend itself. And also, replenishing that iron dome, that you heard our reporters on the ground there talk about, so much. Here is what seth moulton, a congressman, a veteran. He was a marine, and had to say about the situation, that has paralyzed, frankly, the house of representatives. Theres a lot congress can do to Support Israel, theres a lot congress has done to Support Israel. We are prematch paralyzed right now, by not having a speaker of the house. And, this is unprecedented in American History of course, to not have a speaker like this. And, we are not sure whether or not the republicans get their act together, and even produce a nominee, for a vote this week. So, it just highlights how important it is to have a functioning government here at home, to deal and respond, to these international crises. I will tell you, alex, there was some uncertainty when i spoke to sources heading into this weekend, whether the House Republican conference will be able to coalesce around one of the two men, who are currently running for speaker. Certainly, that dynamics of this Global Crisis in israel, will change some of that,s they hope to come togethereven sooner, to elect a speaker. Maybe sometime wednesday. Yeah, theres a lot of work to be done, that is for darn sure. Thank you so much, julia for that on capitol hill. There are nagging questions about Intelligence Failures today. And on the sunday talk show, Secretary Of State Antony Blinken was in the hot seat. Do you acknowledge, that both Israeli Intelligence officials, and u. S. To intelligence officials, were caught off guard here . This is an attack, that i dont think anyone saw coming, in the immediate. So, was it an Intelligence Failure, Mister Secretary . Do you acknowledge it was an Intelligence Failure . We will, we will have plenty of time to, the israelis will aplenty a time to look into that. All of us will have time to look into that. I want to bring in norman rhule, former senior cia officer. He served, in fact, four for 34 years in the Central Intelligence agency, managing significant programs related to The Middle East, and iran. Norman, welcome. So, im awfully glad for your insights here. I know that you are also at that intel conference, where cia director burns was supposed to speak yesterday, but had to cancel due to the escalating situation. What are you hearing about this . Did the u. S. And israel dropped the ball, in terms of intelligence . Good afternoon to you, and to your viewers. Certainly, the United States, israel, great britain, other countries did not have the intelligence to see the attack, to see indicators that hamas had changed its modus operandi, significantly, to evade the existing, significant Surveillance Structure that israel has set up, into gaza. And, we also didnt have a understanding of how they would conduct the attack, to enable israel to move forces to the border, to blunt that assault. A couple of questions, from that, sir. Given that you talk about the u. S. Israeli, and uk Intelligence Failures, if you will. Do they all use the same kind of equipment, do they all use the same kind of tactics . And if so sir, is that something that hamas, its leadership, militants were aware of . And they were able to circumvent any sort of knowledge being passed along . Hamas certainly understands that israel has paid very close attention to its activities, the movements of its leaders. To the extent that israel has been able to successfully frustrate Significant Hamas violence over the years, and identify the location, and neutralize Significant Hamas. Leaders it appears in this case, that what happened was, hamas found a way to temporarily establish a bubble of compartment asian, around a series of training in planning activities, for this assault, that escape that traditional, and significant surveillance. The surveillance involved all forces of intelligence collection, human, signals and intelligence. Geospatial intelligence, and although countries employ different systems, the finished product is shared rapidly among countries. So, it is not possible, from my understanding, based on my decades of experience with this, that the United States, or israel, or britain, would withhold information regarding the terrorist attacks, or such violence. If only because we have a responsibility, with regard to our own nationals in that country. So, this indicates that we didnt see the indicators, for this attack. Or, an understanding of how hamas would conduct it. How disturbing is that fact to you though, sir . Given the fact that, this was clearly an operation, in the planning for months. They were able to attack from sea, from land, literally from the air as well, defy the iron dome, with its ability to send some rockets and missiles 2500, i believe in number, were launched. And the fact that they could put hang, lighters paragliders, crossing over the border. How is it, that this was not detected . Is it because of failure . Or is it because of expertise, on the fact of that did a heck of a job . So, prior to 9 11, u. S. Intelligence communities had significant indications, that was planning a major operation. And nowhere, we did know exactly when, and we did know exactly what. But, many of my colleagues, and myself, worked aggressively, in our locations, to prevent anything from happening in those locations. In this case, it appears that indicators were not seen. In addition, there appears to be a structural failure of defense on the border, so that once the border was penetrated, the terrorists were able to buy quite a distance, and the response time, of Security Forces, was slower than would have been needed by the situation. We need to look back, once this is done, and determine what capabilities were brought, what new tactics were brought. Again, your adversary always tries to change his position. But what i can say, with absolute confidence, and your listeners and viewers should know this. U. S. , british, Israeli Intelligence community worked aggressively, on Counterterrorist Hard gets. So yes, this may have been a failure, this may have been something that was missed, but this is not for lack of trying, this is not because people werent applying the best capabilities. This is because the adversary shifted its tactics. And what we study carefully. But right, now for these communities, the most important question is not what was missed, but how we can move forward, and support the israelis, to identify the location of hostages, prevent any further palestinian terrorism against israel, and the american another nationals in these countries. And then, in case of what appears to be inevitable Israeli Military operation against gaza, to assist that, so that it minimizes palestinian and israeli casualties. And, it is going to be an extraordinary difficult military campaign. What an insightful conversation with you, norman thank you so much for your insights sir. Coming up next, new information from the Biden Administration, about efforts to keep in touch with israel. This, as the fighting escalates in some parts. In some parts. Only when i see flakes. Then i switch back to my regular shampoo you should use it every wash, otherwise the flakes will come back. Hes right, you know. Is that tiny troy . The ingredients in head and shoulders keep the microbes that cause flakes at bay. Microbes, really . Theyre always on your scalp. Little rascals. But good news, theres no itchiness, dryness or flakes down here i love tiny troy. Hes the best. Make every wash count little help, please. Frustrated by skin tags . Dr. Scholls has the breakthrough youve been waiting for. The first fdacleared athome skin tag remover clinically proven to remove skin tags safely in as little as one treatment. 32 past with the, breaking this delectable Ramen Noodle Recipe will put an end to your drivethrough dinner rituals. Throw that powder in that tasty combo of delightful carrots, and the rich touch of bok choy. Knorr taste combos. Its not fast food, but its soooo good. News. At least 700 people have been killed in israel this morning, to also new today, we are getting word from the Biden Administration, on how the u. S. Will Support Israel. Lets go to standing by at the white house for us. Ali, what are you hearing from officials today, on that front . Yeah alex. So, the white house told us very early on today, that we should not expect to see President Biden, or hear from him publicly. But, the white house has told us about what is going on behind the scenes. They say that National Security teams and Administration Officials have continued their outreach, and their communications with their israeli counterparts, trying to gather as much intelligence as they can, about whats going on on the ground in israel, how this was even able to happen, and exactly what kind of aid they would need, and where that aid could be specifically directed to. And that is something that Secretary Of State Antony Blinken talked about, On Meet The Press this morning, with our colleague, christian welker. But we still bit of that exchange. Here we have been on the phones, constantly, since yesterday, early yesterday morning. The president , myself, everyone throughout our government, working around the world, both to build up that support, and to get countries to use the influence they may have, with hamas, to get in, to cease and desist. The white house saying that both vice harris and President Biden have been working the phones this morning. Vice president harris, having a call with the israeli president , and they shared a readout of a call, that President Biden had with Prime Minister netanyahu, their second call since this attack began yesterday. And notably on that call, alex, the president pledged additional assistance to go to israel. He says that is going to come over the coming days, this obviously tracks with what our colleague, courtney qb has been reporting, and what Secretary Of Defense lloyd austin has confirmed, just in the last few hours, that military, or rather aircraft and ships are be moved closer to israel, as a show of support. And austin ads, in that statement, that the u. S. Will be, quote, rapidly providing the Israeli Defense forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions. He says the First Security assistance will begin moving today, and arriving in the coming days. And just to give you a sense of the backdrop here, out of all of our allies, israel receives the most u. S. Aid, it is roughly nearly Four Billion Dollars a year in defense assistance, according to u. S. Officials, and the white house says that since this conflict began yesterday morning, israel has made two specific requests, to u. S. Officials for more of that aid. So so far, of course, we are seeing that new Military Change in posture. We know that u. S. Officials have enhanced their intelligence sharing with israeli officials. But as far as how much more support to come in the long term, that is still a question we have, that is still something that u. S. Officials are talking about, behind the scenes today, alex. Absolutely, there is a lot more to play, on this front. Thank you so much at the white house. There is new video, showing Israeli Forces rescuing some of those being held hostage, what we know about the others still missing. Till missing. Do you mean this one the one with titanium . sean no way i can trade this busted up thing for one. jason maybe stealing wishes from the birthday boy is not your best plan switch to verizon and trade in any iphone and get the new iphone 15 pro on them. sean what . jason yup, and on an Amazing Network sean and i dont have to ruin anymore Birthday Parties jason yeah, that ship has sailed. Lets go get you the iphone. Here we go, come on hon. vo trade in any iphone in any condition for a new iphone 15 pro on us. Only on verizon. Shingles. Some describe it as pulsing electric shocks or sharp, stabbing pains. This painful, blistering rash can disrupt your life for weeks. A pain so intense, you could miss out on family time. The virus that causes shingles is likely already inside of you. If youre 50 years or older, ask your doctor or pharmacist about shingles. 38 past the, hour we have Breaking News in the hamas attack on israel. New today, the u. S. Is moving navy ships, and Military Aircraft closer to israel, as a show of support. Munitions already on the way. And joining me right now, msnbc military analyst, retired general barry mccaffrey. General, sir, always good to see you. We have Secretary Of State anthony blinken, who today confirmed, as you know, that there could be americans among the hostages. So, could the ships, and the planes that the u. S. Is planning to move closer to rael right now, could they be intended for a possible evacuation effort, event . We a already fairly certain that The Americans living near their may have to be evacuated, would be readily able to get on these ships at some point. But, when it comes to rescuing hostages, what are the options . Well, i think the Hostage Situation is the absolute key dilemma, that the idf is now facing. It is hard for me to understand how dozens of hostages, are now in the gaza strip, to include possibly americans, seven are reported, missing for killed. We are being recover without a massive ground intervention, using armor and infantry forces, to try and gain control at the surface level. And then, find them, and tunnels and so, this is going to be a bloody mess, catastrophic for the civilian population of the palestinians, as well as the idf fighting their way in. But that multiple Carrier Strike, along with u. S. Air forces, f35s, f15 squadrons, f16 squadrons, probably moving into italy. They are there for more than a show of force, or potential non competent evacuations. The other issue, we are waiting to see if it drops is, will hezbollah intervene in, out of lebanon, with their hundred thousand some odd rockets . Will the west bank ignite . And, what will the syrians and the egyptians do . So, i would suggest to you, our support of israel would be absolute. And if we see Syrian Military intervention, active iranian intervention, we will go to war. Im just trying to process what you just said sir, because that has not been something that has been said on this broadcast, or anywhere i believe, on behalf of the Biden Administration. So you are surmising that if it were to escalate, that the u. S. Military would become involved . Are you making the statement from your own experience sir . Are you making the statements from having spoken with anybody in the military community who is contemplating potential scenarios . There is, absolutely no way that any u. S. Official would make the statement i just made. What i am saying is, that if the existence of the state of israel is at stake, if the Syrian Military intervenes, if hezbollah started overwhelming the israelis, and my judgment, at that point, we would consider actively intervening with air power, air and naval power. So, you have excluded the possibility of ground forces. Is there anything that could change that calculus . I doubt it. The idf is an absolute first rate military. There are problems going to be getting into gaza, thats it, thats the only, they can counter Cross Border Invasions of Military Units fairly effectively. A very well trained, very well led, very well equipped what. They cant do is get into 2 Million People packed into the gaza strip, and fine hostages, without going house to house, basement to basement. Thats going to be a combined arms military mission. I dont see any way theyre going to get out of this. They are willing to take the casualties, and now the correlate a problem for us is, how do you minimize collateral casualties, killed and wounded, among palestinian civilians, who are packed in around these potential targets, deliberately, by hamas. So, i think this is a very risky situation, not just for israel, but for the surrounding country. And i might add that the egyptians made some very hostile public statements, yesterday, to israel, in public, essentially saying that if you conduct disproportionate casualties in gaza, we may consider action. So, a lot of governments are watching this very closely. I am very reassured that weve got secretary tony blinken, secretary lloyd austin, steady hands of the Biden Administration, being very cautious. So there wont be any rash actions. But the israelis, have their back against the wall. This is a tragic situation, this is going to get worse, before it gets better. A general, it goes about saying, this is a tinderbox, and a potential that you articulated for all out war. In The Middle East, is extraordinary. If the United States military, as you are saying, potentially, could participate via air, via naval forces, would this be a coalition of communities, of states supporting as well . I mean, is this something that the u. S. Will do alone, or uk, france, germany, other countries that would be supporting . Would you expect him to come as well . I dont think were even remotely near that question yet. I think that the deterrence, factor is what the Biden Administration is after right now. They ought to make sure that the Syrian Military, and hezbollah dont enter this fray. If they do, it is going to be a lethal conflict with israel. Hamas itself cant bring down the israeli state. They can conduct terrorist operations, brutal scenes we are seeing on video. So, we are waiting to see, and deter the syrian hezbollah, and the west bank, that is the purpose of the u. S. And our allies, at this point. Absolutely, it has been a sobering conversation, about the hypothetical what could happen. General barry mccaffrey, thank you for that. Let me also just say, those numbers of seven americans missing, for americans killed, as hostage. Can you tell us, very quickly, where you got that information . We did not have it sir . Yeah, i dont write off the internet. It is being reported by some fairly reliable media source. But again, they dont know. I dont think the israelis have a clue, of if those figures have actually taken. All right sir, thank you very much. General barry mccaffrey. Well, the u. S. Directly affected by the outbreak of war in The Middle East. In fact, security has been heightened throughout this country as well. Plus, what are committees on both sides saying . Th sides saying . And get rewarded. Get 50 off any footlong when you join Subway Mvp Rewards. So many all star options. Its just for subway mvps right . You catch on quick herbert. Join now and get 50 off any footlong. Rsv can severely affect the lungs and lower airways. But im protected with arexvy. Arexvy is a vaccine used to prevent lower Respiratory Disease from rsv in people 60 years and older. Rsv can be serious for those over 60, including those with asthma, diabetes, copd, and certain other conditions. But im protected. Arexvy is proven to be over 82 effective in preventing lower Respiratory Disease from rsv and over 94 effective in those with these health conditions. Arexvy does not protect everyone and is not for those with severe allergic reactions to its ingredients. Those with weakened Immune Systems may have a lower response to the vaccine. The most common side effects are injection site pain, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and joint pain. I chose arexvy. Rsv . Make it arexvy. This is american infrastructure. Megawatts of power, rails and open road, and essential services of every kind. All running on countless invisible networks, making it a prime target for cyberattacks. But the same aipowered security that protects all of google also defends the systems running americas infrastructure. For these services. For the 336 million of us living here. Palestinian americans, and the u. S. Jewish community, are both holding rallies, and making their voices heard today. Outside the israeli consulate in new york, a mix of protesters, on both sides of the, issue began rallying about an hour ago. Nbcs marissa is joining us from miami beach, florida. That is a hub for jewish and israeli americans. But we are going to begin with nbcs maggie vesta, who is in chicago, at a pro palestinian rally. So, as i welcome both of you. Maggie, tell us what you are hearing from the folks there, those behind you in that march . Hi all, it you can hear right as we said, this is a pro palestinian rally, which is marching through the heart of Downtown Chicago right now, we are in madison and clark chicago. And that means they are shutting a huge in this city. And, more you can hear the chanting. In the background i [crowd chanting]. Weve got lots of people here. This started at the israeli consulate, which is a pro palestine rally, that began outside the israeli consulate, here in Downtown Chicago. And no one wants to see violence, but they say based on the of violent history between these two nations, the actions of hamas do not surprise them. It is in whats called little palestine, it is a chicago suburb, in the southwest of the city. Listen to what some people told us there. We wont lose hope, but it is something, especially with the western media in america, it is something we are used to at this point, seeing the one side conversation, in how people Support Israel all the time, and we can get hurt over that anymore, because it is kind of the norm now. But, we get happy, and we have hope when we see Someone Siding with us. Thats when we are actually surprised. Like, oh my god, finally. They do nothing for us. You know, this is what happens. So, we are against killing civilians. We are against that, you know. But, when the war happened, you know. Ill write, back here live once again. This is a pro palestine rally, marching through the middle of Downtown Chicago. I know you cant see over the top of this, but this goes back four blocks. People here are marching down the heart of the city, truly the angle here, is palpable. And as you said alex, they are spreading this message as well. We will send it back to you. Okay, maggie thank you very much for showing whats going on, live there in that major thoroughfare in Downtown Chicago. Lets go now to nbcs melissa joining us in miami beach, ahead of a rally there, in support of israel. So, marissa, welcome, how are folks theyre reacting to the news out of The Middle East . Hey. Yeah i mean, we can talk about how people are feeling, and also what we are seeing. I will start with those flags at half staff across miamidade county. We have seen buildings lit up, in blue and white. This, at miami city hall, the port of miami. The neighboring city, even outside of miami, the city of lit up in blue and white. And then in other cities like new york, the empire state building, or one world trade center. These, by order of lawmakers, to show solidarity for israel, which the United States has recognized as a key ally. Now, among the things that we can also speak to, are the feelings of both anguish and fear, within the jewish community. I mean, when it comes to the anguish, we are at a jewish memorial here in miami, and we have seen flowers laid for support for those who are overwhelmingly sat right now, because of what happened, these attacks. But then, when it comes to the fear in the community, we know that the department of Homeland Security has said that they are keeping an eye on potential threats across the country. We know that Police Departments in cities with high Jewish American populations, like new york, los angeles, and here in miami, are ramping up Police Presence is outside of jewish temples, synagogues, and centers around those areas. We have seen that for ourselves, here in miami beach. We spoke with a local rabbi, who had said that increasing Police Presence brought him some peace of mind. We also spoke to a different local rabbi, who talked about this anguish, that the community is feeling. I mean, the anxiety of watching this unfold from a far, from the other side of the world, describing what is a tightknit community, saying there are a lot of Jewish Americans holding their breath, waiting to see what happens to loved ones overseas. Especially those who have been called up to serve right now, with the idf. And especially, keep in mind, on a holiday weekend, that is typically supposed to be a joyous, joyous one within the jewish community. Listen for yourselves. I have been crying, my communities have been crying. You watch up you expected to be a day of full celebrations. It is in turn, a day of sorrow, and a date of, a very heavy day. And i will say, i think one of the darkest days in the jewish history. So, quickly i will add, there have been services again, that were supposed to be jewish, that instead turned into solemn celebrations, or rather Solemn Services to remember those who have lost their lives, and also rallies in support of israel. We are seeing that tonight over the next two days, not just here in miami, but throughout the state of florida. And so, this is something. Remember, it is not just event happening on the other side. This is something that is deeply personal, overwhelmingly sad for the community. Certainly is, marisa there in miami beach. Melissa, thank you for that report. New nbc news exclusive reporting, about the moves the u. S. Military is making, to better Support Israel, as we learn some new information at this hour, about a u. S. Congressman who was an inside the country, when that fighting began. Ightin began. Want a smarter way to mop . Introducing the new swiffer powermop. An allinone cleaning tool with a 360degree swivel head that goes places a regular mop just cant. Mop smarter with the new swiffer powermop. This month join the new Subway Mvp Rewards program and get rewarded. Get 50 off any footlong when you join Subway Mvp Rewards. So many all star options. Its just for subway mvps right . You catch on quick herbert. Join now and get 50 off any footlong. Youre probably not easily persuaded to switch you catch on quick herbert. Mobile providers for your business. But what if we told you its possible that comcast Business Mobile can save you up to 75 a year on your wireless bill versus the big three carriers . Its true. Plus, when you buy your first line of mobile, you get a second line free. There are no Term Contracts or line activation fees. And you can bring your own device. Oh, and all on the most reliable 5g Mobile Network nationwide. Wireless that works for you. Its not just possible. Its happening. The power goes out and we still have wifi to do our homework. And thats a good thing . Great in my book who are you . No power . No problem. Introducing stormready wifi. Now you can stay reliably connected through Power Outages with unlimited cellular data and up to 4 hours of battery backup to keep you online. Only from xfinity. 55 past with this Breaking News, home of the xfinity 10g network. New this hour, our new york congressman dan goldman. He and his family, wife and three children, or in side, when the fighting began, inside of israel there. In a statement, they said they had to shelter from rocket fire, until this morning, but he and his family have made it out safely. They are now heading home, to the u. S. Joining us right now is barack, ravioli or border for axios, who has covered foreign policy. Welcome back, we know you spoke yesterday. But, do you have updates about what you are hearing on the ground, david, in the region on how much fighting is still going on, and how it is happening . Good afternoon. Well first, i think what is quite astounding, is that 40 hours after this invasion started, the idf is still fighting against hamas, militants, in several places, inside israel. The the military still did not move the fighting, and the battle to the enemies territory, it is still being a, it is still taking place inside the israel. Several of the villages and the cities, near the gaza border, which is something pretty amazing, that i dont think anybody thought would happen. Can let me just ask. What does that look like . Because you are right, one would assume that the firepower of the Israeli Military, would be able to get in there, and get rid of the militants who have trespassed, or crossed over, and are creating havoc there, and a rampage in israel. What does that look like right now . Is it handtohand combat, ill give you an example. Which would sound really incredible, but in one of the villages near the border, somebody came back to one of the departments, from the Emergency Services, to take out bodies from the israeli civilians, from one of the apartments, that was stormed by hamas militants. And, he heard something going on, in one of the. And he thought that it might be something suspicious, so he called the soldiers back into the apartment, only for them to find the hamas militant in the closet, hiding, and trying to shoot them again. Wow. This is just one example, one testimony of that, this person gave. And you hear more and more of those testimonies, of people who are, the number of hamas militants that managed to enter into israel, is something close to 1000 people. And, some of them managed to reach villages and towns, that are ten miles from the border, sometimes one town is even 15 miles from the border. That is a lot, which means that they were all over the place. And, the numbers. That is extraordinary. The number of casualties, of civilian casualties, is overwhelming with, at the moment we are talking about 700 israelis who are killed, in this invasion. Most of them are civilians. 260 israeli civilians, most of them under the age of 30, or 25, who are at a party, at a rave near the gaza border. And, 15 hamas militants arrived, at the rate, in parachutes, in paragliders. And, they started to massacre them, with the Emergency Services reported that they gathered 260 bodies, from that party. And, just think about this now, how would this number look in america . When you look at the relative to the size of israel. You are talking about Tens Of Thousands of people killed, if the same a vent, if you try to compare with The Americans. You are painting an extraordinary terrifying picture. But so glad you shared with us it. Isnt like reporting we have had so far. So thank you so much, we will certainly be seeing you again. And for all of you that, is going to do it for me on the Special Edition of michigan just a few hours again at seven pm eastern. And of course, next saturday in the meantime our coverage continues with simone right. Now with imone right. Now with greetings, you are watching symone, i am symone sanderstownsend. Breaking, news of the warrens. But today s of the Palestinian Militant Group hamas, this is what we know at this hour. The conflict, its already the
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