Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a News Briefing - Transcript

SABRINA SINGH: All right. Good afternoon, everyone. Okay. Just a few things at the top and then happy to take your questions. This morning, Secretary Austin departed for London to attend the AUKUS defense ministerial meeting. The AUKUS DMM is the third of its kind, marking three years of enhanced security partnership and provides an opportunity for Secretary Austin to meet with his UK and Australian counterparts to review progress and outline steps for continued work under pillar one and pillar two of AUKUS.

We'll have more to share in the coming days, but under pillar one, you can expect the secretary to reaffirm the United States' commitment to supporting Australia's acquisition of a conventionally armed nuclear powered submarine capability. Under pillar two, Secretary Austin and his counterparts will discuss plans to further enhance collaboration and harmonize acquisition processes over the next two years to accelerate the delivery of advanced capabilities to our defense forces.

AUKUS presents a unique opportunity for our nations to collectively enhance our military capabilities, improve interoperability and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The department looks forward to continuing to work with our UK and Australian partners to implement this important work. Earlier this week, the navy announced that USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group departed naval station Norfolk, Virginia for a regularly scheduled deployment to the US naval forces Europe Africa US six fleet area of operations, demonstrating the commitment and power projection capability of the navy's globally deployed force.

The strike group will operate in the US European command area of responsibility in support of our maritime partners and NATO allies. Switching gears, the department continues to monitor tropical storm Helene, as it is forecasted to intensify into a hurricane as it approaches the northeastern Gulf coast on Thursday. Florida and Georgia have both declared states of emergency and the governor of Florida has activated more than 3,300 national guardsmen and 12 rotary wing aviation assets in state active duty status.

These guardsmen are prepositioned around the state to provide responsive sustained support including high wheeled vehicle rescues, aerial support, route clearance and commodities distribution. Additionally, in the next 24 to 48 hours, the States of Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina are expected to activate the National Guard as well. For more information, I would encourage you to reach out to National Guard Bureau of Public Affairs.

And to close, last night, the Senate confirmed more than 6000 of our highly qualified military nominees in the Air Force, Army Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force. These confirmations include Lieutenant General Nordhaus to be Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Vice Admiral Halsey to be Commander of US Southern Command. Lieutenant General Reed to be Commander of US Transportation Command and Lieutenant General Brunson to be Commander of US Forces Korea. We're very glad that the Senate has confirmed these officers for critical positions during this time and for our national security and with that, I'd be happy to take your questions.

Tara?

Q: Thanks, Sabrina. So later this week, we're possibly expecting an agreement on the withdrawal or transition of US troops in Iraq. What still needs to be done in that agreement? It seems from the Iraqi perspective that this decision has been made and the details are set.

SABRINA SINGH: So thanks Tara, I appreciate the question. I think as you alluded to, we'll probably have more details to share later this week. What we've said from the beginning is that we know that the global coalition and that international coalition is going to transition into a bilateral security relationship with the Iraqis. And this has been worked through the US Iraq Higher Military Commission working groups.

So again, we should have more to share later this week, but at this time, I don't want to get ahead of that process.

Q: Is it safe to assume that this means a reduction in the forces that are there from the 2,500?

SABRINA SINGH: I think we'll have more to share this week.

Q: OK. Secondly, the status of the refueler that's been damaged, and do you know anything else about what caused it to either run aground or run into something?

SABRINA SINGH: Sorry, I was just trying to find some more for you on that. The ship that you're referring to was damaged when it was, I believe, in the fifth fleet AOR. Currently under investigation to what exactly caused that damage, but that oil tanker refueler has been towed to a port and there was no leakage from the ship. But in terms of impacts to operations, no impacts there. But for more information, I'd have to refer you to the navy.

Q: And so you don't know what caused the damaged?

SABRINA SINGH: That's right, we're investigating the incident. Great. OK. Idrees and welcome back.

Q: Israel's military chief, I think earlier today said that strikes in Lebanon would continue in order to not only destroy Hezbollah's infrastructure but also prepare for a possible ground invasion. Just a general comment and do you see a ground invasion as likely or even imminent?

SABRINA SINGH: So in terms of a ground incursion or a ground invasion, that's really for the Israelis to speak to. We certainly don't want to see any action taken that could lead to further escalation in the region. We still believe that there is time and space for diplomacy. We want to see a diplomatic resolution and a solution to prevent an all-out war. But in terms of the Israeli operations, I'd have to refer to them to speak to that.

Q: And just to follow up, last week, I think the secretary had near daily calls with his Israeli counterpart, he hasn't spoken with them since the 22nd. Is there any reason for that? And should we expect any conversations between the two of them in the coming days?

SABRINA SINGH: I think you can expect them to continue to engage. Just because they haven't spoken every day, doesn't mean that our teams haven't been in communication. Again, he engages with Minister Gallant on a pretty regular basis and when we have more to share on when the next call happens, we'll certainly read it out. But just because he hasn't had one every single day this week doesn't mean that we're not engaging with the Israelis.

You've seen, maybe not from this building, but other agencies part of this administration engaging their Israeli counterparts, so we're continuing that dialogue. Fadi?

Q: Thank you, Sabrina. Is there any support that the Pentagon is providing to the Israeli military in the current situation in Lebanon?

SABRINA SINGH: In terms of any like ground support or air support?

Q: Any support, even in terms of intelligence?

SABRINA SINGH: No, no support.

Q: Not even intelligence sharing?

SABRINA SINGH: No.

Q: So up until, I guess unless there's some changes, you've been describing what's happening as defensive operations. I believe in the first day, almost 500 civilians were killed, including women and Children in Lebanon. Civilian infrastructure has been damaged severely, almost 1,300 airstrikes. Today, up until 3:00 pm Beirut time, more than 50,000 villages have been hit by Israelis.

International organizations are describing what happened the first day as the highest death toll in Lebanon since the end of the Civil War. So I'm just curious, what criteria are you using to describe what's happening as defensive operations?

SABRINA SINGH:

Well, Fadi, I think I'd have to point you back to October 8th when Lebanese Hezbollah attacked Israel following the brutal attack that Hamas launched on October 7th. So these are still defensive operations. We understand the threat that Israel faces.

We are not supporting their operations when it comes to Lebanon. The support that you're seeing or what you're seeing when it comes to US forces in the region is for our own force protection. And should we need to come to the defense of Israel like saw from that large scale attack from Iran, we've positioned forces to do that. But when it comes to Lebanon, the US military has no involvement in Israel's operation. So I just want to lay that flat.

In terms of some of what you just referenced, this is exactly why we're pushing for a diplomatic solution. We don't want to see innocent civilians lose their lives. We want to see a deescalating happen. And you're seeing engagement from all parts of this administration, including at UNGA right now. We're calling for a deescalated and we believe that a diplomatic off ramp is the best way to resolve what's happening on that northern border.

Q: And last question, did any official in the Pentagon communicate any concerns about the high death toll among Lebanese civilians? I mean, I know, and we know in Gaza that was a constant conversation. Has anyone raised that issue in relation to Lebanon?

SABRINA SINGH: Without getting into more details of the secretary's calls with Minister Gallant, we are of course always concerned of civilian casualties. We're seeing some of these strikes take place in areas where there are civilians. We're also seeing Israel notify populations to clear those areas. Our focus, and you're seeing a full court press here from the United States government and this administration, we want to see a diplomatic solution and we want to see it urgently.

And that's why you're seeing engagement, whether it be at UNGA, or in calls that the secretary is doing with Minister Gallant, and not just at his level, but at other levels as well, we don't want to see any action taken on either side that would lead to further escalation. We want to see this deescalate and the best off ramp for that to prevent an all-out war is through diplomatic means.

Q: Thank you.

SABRINA SINGH: Tom?

Q: Thanks, Sabrina.

SABRINA SINGH: Yeah.

Q: How confident are you that you can achieve a diplomatic offramp, especially given the past nearly 12 months where the US has been unable to broker any kind of sustained ceasefire in Gaza. So, for the situation with Hezbollah and Israel, how confident are you that we're not going to see a full scale conflict?

SABRINA SINGH: Well, I'd, you know, push back on that respectfully. You know, we have seen periods where there has been a ceasefire put in place, and we have seen, you know, the ability to get - we were talking, you know, months earlier about humanitarian aid being able to get in. That was something that this administration brokered to make sure that we could get humanitarian aid and supplies in.

So, look, you're - and not to reiterate just what I said to Fadi, but you're seeing a full court press from this administration at all levels for a diplomatic solution. Nothing is off the table. We don't assess that either side wants a larger scale, wider regional conflict, but we're doing everything that we can to prevent that from happening. And that's why you're seeing the engagements that the president is doing, from the secretary, and then on down in the building.

Q: And while I appreciate that you don't want to speak for Israel, are you able to share anything in terms of what you've seen along the Lebanon-Israel border in terms of movement either side of it? Does it look like there's a ramp up towards some kind of a incursion?

SABRINA SINGH: Right now it doesn't. You know, well, you know, without characterizing Israeli operations and letting them speak to them for themselves, you know, it doesn't look like anything is imminent. What we're seeing on that northern border is an increase in, you know, the tit for tat, going back and forth strikes between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, and that is our concern.

We - you know, we are concerned about a miscalculation. We don't want to see a wider regional conflict. And that's why, in every conversation that we have, in the conversations that are happening in New York, we're - we are continuing to press for a diplomatic resolve.

Jesse?

Q: Thank you so much.

SABRINA SINGH: Yeah.

Q: We all know that Secretary Austin is always in contact with his Israeli counterpart. Does the secretary have any objections to the way Israel is conducting its operations inside Lebanon?

SABRINA SINGH:

In terms of?

Q: In terms of, as you may know, targeting civilians, maybe carpet bombing to the villages along the border.

SABRINA SINGH: Well, I mean, something that we've raised is we don't want to see this escalate. And any time that there is a - actions taken that could further escalate the war that's - or, like, a broader conflict, that we want to avoid a regional war. The secretary, in all of his conversations, urges restraint and urges, you know, the Israelis to consider civilian casualties. And that's something that we've said from the very beginning.

Look, I'm not going to get into more details on their private conversations. But of course, it's something that the secretary discusses with his counterpart and will continue to raise.

Q: I mean, could you confirm if the secretary told Gallant that they need to avoid the infrastructure in Lebanon?

SABRINA SINGH: I think what I can tell you is what I was - what I reiterated earlier, is that of course we are always concerned where there are strikes in areas where there are - is a - is a concentrated civilian population. That's something that the secretary raises on his calls with Minister Gallant. It's something that, you know, at different levels in this building we also raise with our Israeli counterparts. But I'm just not going to be able to go beyond that.

Liz?

SABRINA SINGH: Thanks, Sabrina. On China's ICBM test launch, a US defense official said earlier today that China gave the US warning it was going to do this launch. Was that through military channels or diplomatic channels?

I don't have more specifics to provide on the channels. But we were given some advance notice, but I'm just not going to get into more specifics of that. I will say that that is a good thing and that is moving in the right direction in terms of, you know, getting that advanced notification, and that further reduces the risks of any misperception and miscalculation. So, we certainly welcome that.

Q: Were any US citizens, like, at harm by this test in any way, during it or following it?

SABRINA SINGH: Not to my knowledge.

Yeah, Oren?

Q: Just a quick question. Israeli officials have said their strategy with Lebanon is escalate to deescalate. Does the Pentagon think that's a viable strategy for how to conduct operations with Lebanon?

SABRINA SINGH: So, I'm not going to, you know, characterize the Israelis' operations. What I can tell you is only, you know, our view. And our perception is that any type of escalation that - that could lead to a miscalculation we don't want to see We want to see steps that lead to de-escalation and, frankly, steps that lead to a diplomatic offramp, which we believe is the best solution here.

That's what we're pushing for. That's what you're seeing happen at UNGA. That's also what you're seeing the secretary, you know continue to emphasize in his calls with Minister Gallant. And when he has the next call, you know, that will be something that, you know, I'm sure he would reiterate as well.

Ok.

Q: Just more clarity [Off mic].

SABRINA SINGH: Uh-huh. Sure.

Q: In response to Tom's question, you said it doesn't look like anything is imminent. Was that in reference to a Israeli incursion into Lebanon?

SABRINA SINGH: I believe the context was in terms of a ground incursion. So, I was saying, in that context, it doesn't look like something is imminent. But again, I'd refer you to the Israelis to speak to their own operations.

Q: Thank you. I have a follow up question on Chinese ICBM launch.

SABRINA SINGH: Of course.

Q: So, what's your assessment of this unusual ICBM launch into the Pacific Ocean? And do you think this is a provocative action? And especially, do you think they want to send a message to the US?

SABRINA SINGH: In terms of, you know, the whys, I'd refer you to the PRC to speak to that. You know, we monitored the ICBM test, to Liz's question. You know, again, we did receive some advance notification of this ICBM test, and we believe that that was a good thing. That was a step in the right direction. And it does lead, you know, to preventing any misperception or miscalculation.

What we can do here from the department is continue to press for a more regularized notification arrangement when it comes to ballistic missile and space launches. And this is something that we've proposed with the PRC. And it represents, you know, a common sense confidence building measure. So, we want to see these types of notifications continue.

Yes?

Q: A question about presidential drawdown authority with regard to Ukraine Could you tell us what the department's plan is to keep using that after September 30th? We've seen reports that there is, like, a workaround that the department can notify Congress and then that is legal. Could you tell us what that workaround is? But also, could you tell us why that workaround is needed? You got some criticism today from Senator Wicker, saying that the department should have spent this money already - or used this authority, I should say, since April.

SABRINA SINGH: Sure. So, on your - on your first question on how we're going to use the authority, I don't have anything to announce right now. But what I can tell you is that we're committed to making sure Ukraine gets the resources Congress approved by the end of the president's term.

Again, I don't have more to announce right now, but we're committed to making sure that Ukraine gets what it - what it has been allotted by Congress. And we are working with the interagency to do just that. So, you know, bear with us and we'll have more to share soon.

Q: And -

SABRINA SINGH: -In terms of your follow on question on the criticism, look, I'd have to point you back to the fact that for six months we didn't have a supplemental so we weren't able to refill our own shelves. So, therefore, when you're not able to backfill and refill our own stocks, we're not able to send out PDA's.

So, you have to remember during that time we still had some existing authority, but we weren't able to send equipment, capability, systems out to Ukraine because we didn't have it on our stocks. During that time, during that six months lag, because we weren't able to do that, that also impacts packages going down the road.

So, we're going to find - we're going to make sure Ukraine gets what it needs, you know, in the future. But to push back on that criticism, I would say that, when you don't have what you need on your shelves, it makes it hard to send out that equipment, you know, in the timetable that Congress gave us when it - when it was authorized.

Q: So, is the plan now to move at a more - at a faster rate than you've been moving so you can get it done before President Biden ends his term?

SABRINA SINGH: I think we'll have more to share in the coming days. I just don't have more for you right now.

Noah?

Q: Just to ask a follow up on that -

SABRINA SINGH: Sure.

Q: Because of the issues in getting the supplemental approved and certainly the issues in replenishing stocks because of that, all of that was known when the supplemental was passed in April. Is there a reason that the funding or the authority wasn't extended beyond the fiscal year?

SABRINA SINGH: Well, I think also, Noah, you have to remember that we're talking about also working with the defense industrial base that has to backfill our own shelves. So, there - you know, there's a lot of coordination and timing here. We did ask Congress for that authority to extend, and, you know, that did not happen so now we are in a different place.

So, I can't, you know, go back and answer questions of, like, what if this happened and when. All I can tell you is that we're committed to making sure Ukraine has what it needs, and we're going to do it. And that's a commitment that this president has made. And when we have more to share, we will.

Jared?

Q: Sabrina, how comfortable is the department with the - with the department's understanding of what the Israeli military's intentions and near, midterm plans are in Lebanon operationally? Has - have the Israelis briefed you on what they intend to do?

SABRINA SINGH: So, I'm not going to go into more details of the conversations between the secretary and Minister Gallant, but it's something that the - that, you know, has - and discussed and it's something that the Secretary continues to, you know, in all of his conversations, I think you've seen the readouts, it's something that he asked about and that they discussed, but I'm just not going to go beyond the readout. Yeah, in the back.

Q: It's been reported that 60 additional US troops are being deployed to Cyprus to help with potential mass evacuations of US citizens from Lebanon. Can you confirm that?

SABRINA SINGH: I cannot confirm the number, but what I can tell you is that we are sending a small number of additional US military personnel forward to augment forces that are already in the region. I'm just not going to be able to provide you more specifics. I know I've seen the reporting. I know it's frustrating, but I'm just not going to be able to confirm more.

Q: And just to follow up on a story from last week, is it the Pentagon's view that it is an acceptable - it's acceptable under the laws of war to booby trap civilian objects and place them amongst civilian populations? Is that - is that acceptable for any nation to do?

SABRINA SINGH: That's something that - well, one without commenting on an operation that the US military had no involvement in, it's hard for me to get into the hypotheticals. I'm not a lawyer. I'm not going to try and go down and explain, you know, legalese from here, so. I just can't comment further on that operation for us. Yeah.

Q: [inaudible] US, the affecting supply chains or intercepting supply chains in order to place explosive items within normal consumer objects, right?

SABRINA SINGH: Yeah, I'm not going to comment on a hypothetical or an operation that we had no part of. Yeah?

Q: Thank you, Sabrina. Secretary Austin on Sunday told his Israeli counterpart to give time for diplomacy to work. And on Monday, we saw that Israel started to bomb Lebanon. And today, the Israel Defense Force has announced that they call up and deployment of two reserve brigades to the border with Lebanon. So where is the time that that Secretary Austin asked Israel for diplomacy? And do you still believe that Israel listening to you? Thank you.

SABRINA SINGH: We do believe that we have - that Israel is listening. I mean, just the fact that they're listening by the amount of calls that the secretary has had with Minister Galant. I think that shows their willingness to hear our views, our concerns and our - you know, to hear from the secretary. So I think that's important to note.

In terms of, you know, I think your question was getting to - are we writing off, you know, diplomatic measures, and we're not. Diplomacy is still the best path forward. There's always a way for diplomacy. There's always a way for both sides to, you know, to come to the table and - to have this resolved in diplomatic measures.

From the very beginning, I mean since October 7th and then, you know, October 8th when we've moved additional assets to the region, the whole focus of this administration has been to not only deescalate, but you know to send a message of deterrence. I think we have been successful in that.

You know, this - we know tensions are high, but we also don't - we also see that there is a path forward for diplomacy. And that's why you're seeing this administration push so hard to get this done. And you're going to continue to. We're not going to give up on that. So we're going to continue to engage.

Q: There is some media reports out saying that the US is now working with the France about a ceasefire, maybe a deal or a plan for Lebanon. Does anyone from the DOD have evolved or involved in this negotiation that - that's happening right now in the United Nations during the UN Summit in New York.

SABRINA SINGH: I don't have anything on those reports. I mean, I've been pretty public in telling you that we're pushing for, you know, diplomatic measures to resolve what's happening on that northern border. But I just don't have more to add on that report. I'm sorry I haven't seen it. Louis?

Q: Hi, Sabrina. Is the shipment of 2,000 pound bombs for Israel, is that still on hold?

SABRINA SINGH: Still paused.

Q: So, the rationale behind that from what I understand was when Israel was preparing to go into Rafah, you know, to protect civilian lives, limited operations. Are there any concerns given the current ongoing air operations that Israel has been conducting striking in civilian neighborhoods?

And you know, I know that we're seeing secondary effects, so it appears that there are - they are striking the targets they're hitting, but are there concerns that the use of these bombs again presumably American bombs could be putting civilians at risk?

SABRINA SINGH: So, you first asked about the 2,000 pound bomb shipment, so that is still paused. So I don't - you know, I don't know what they're using in their operations, so I'd refer you to them to speak to that. There is always a concern about civilian casualties and that is something that the secretary has addressed, you know, really from the beginning whether it be in Gaza or elsewhere.

That's a conversation that we continue to have. I think, you know, in that same vein we're also concerned about escalation. And that's why we don't want to see any action taken by, you know, either side that could lead to further escalation. And that's what the secretary continues to emphasize along with always talking about the need to protect civilians.

And you are seeing, I mean, you know, I'm citing public sourcing here, but you know, the Israelis, notifying communities and towns on that northern border to clear that area because they will be conducting operations. You know, we have to protect civilians in the battle space. That's something the secretary has said. I know you've heard him say that before as well.

Our focus, of course, is that. But the best way to protect civilians is, of course, through diplomatic means and for this to be resolved through diplomacy. And that's why we continue to push for that.

Q: Is the secretary in the future planning to meet or travel to Israel in the future?

SABRINA SINGH: Yeah, you know, I'm not - I don't have any announcements to make in terms of travel, but when we do, I'm - you'll be the first to know. Yes, in the back.

Q: Thanks, Sabrina. You emphasized that the?

SABRINA SINGH: I just - I'm sorry. I just committed to giving Louis an exclusive on the secretary's travel. So yeah, yeah, sorry. And you know, we'll discuss - we'll discuss later - sorry, go ahead.

Q: Thanks. You emphasized that the administration's position is that you don't want to see further escalation and you don't want to see an all-out war. Where do you draw the line, you know, especially with regards to a possible ground operation that may be imminent?

SABRINA SINGH: Well, like I said, I mean, I don't know that it is imminent. And what we continue to push for and I'm not trying to use a tired talking point here. It's actually just, you know, the fact is that we do continue to push for a diplomatic resolution here. From the secretary to, you know, the interagency, that's something that we continue to engage on.

And you know, in terms of the conflict itself, we still believe - like right now, the conflict has been contained to Gaza. There's no question that there are higher tensions in the region. There's no question that there's been an increase in border clashes on that northern border.

But we believe that in order to avert an all-out regional war, it's through diplomatic means. And so, we're going to continue to push for that. And you're seeing that happen in New York and you're seeing that happen here as well. Last one.

Q: Just to follow though, how has the conflict been contained to Gaza? You have civilians being killed in Lebanon.

SABRINA SINGH: Sure. But what I would tell you is that it's not how we would characterize, you know, an all-out full scale regional war. What you're seeing is a trade of fires back and forth on that northern border. I'd point you to October 8th when Hezbollah started launching those. We're not seeing this widen out to a regional conflict. And that's what we are concerned about.

And that's why, you know, the secretary from the beginning, whether it be the Ford, the IHC, you know, the 26 MEU that was in the region. And now you have the Lincoln there. You know, we continue to position assets in the region to send a message of deterrence because we don't want it to scale out. Yes, we acknowledge that, you know, there have been, you know, innocent people that have been killed and we don't want to see that happen. And that's why we continue to press for diplomatic means.

Q: Can you take one more?

SABRINA SINGH: Sure, one more and then I've got one in the back and then we'll -

Q: I know this is a planning organization, that's not the answer I'm looking for.

SABRINA SINGH: That's the answer you're getting.

Q: Yeah. In - in regards to Lebanon, did the Pentagon put together any NIO plans in case there's the need for it?

SABRINA SINGH: You're so going to hate my answer, but we are a planning organization. We plan for a wide range of contingencies. I will point you back though to, you know, early on last year - or sorry, late last year, but early on after October 7th when I think I was up here, General Ryder was up here getting a lot of questions about NIO. I will say we are always a planning organization prepared for any contingency and we never had to use those plans.

We will always have plans on the shelves that we can dust off at any time. And that is the amazing thing of our military is we are able to search capabilities to the region. And the secretary did just that. And we have, you know, incredible firepower in the region right now. So again, I'm not going to get ahead of anything. That's also a State Department decision to make. But Fadi, to answer your own question, we are planning organization. All right, Mike, and then I'll wrap up.

Q: Yeah, you - the Pentagon always talk or often talks about deterrence and giving Israel enough to defend themselves. Does this administration, would they like Israel to actually win their battle, win their war against Hamas, win their war against Hezbollah? Is it - do you have a position on that one way or the other?

SABRINA SINGH: Well, I think we've said time and again that we support Israel's right to self-defense. You know, what a - what a win looks like is really for Israel to define, but we are supporting them and their right to self-defense. And of course, you know, we understand and, you know, know the threats that they're facing from these terrorist organizations and that's why we are supporting them in their fight against, you know, what, you know the threats that they face on their borders. But beyond that I just don't have more to add. OK, thanks, everyone.

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