Jake Tapper Presses House Republican on Israel and Preventing Civilian Casualties: ‘So They’re Trying, But Not Hard Enough?’

CNN’s Jake Tapper pressed House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-OH) on whether Israel is doing enough to limit civilian casualties in Gaza, as the Hamas-run Ministry of Health claimed more than 10,000 civilians have now been killed.

“Whether or not you buy those numbers, and I know President Biden does not, I think we can all agree thousands of innocent people have been killed. Too many people have been killed,” Tapper said. “Do you think Israel could and should be doing more to limit civilian casualties?”

Turner answered that Israel has been “strongly encouraged and cautioned by the United States, with respect to civilian casualties.”

“You’re the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, you see the intelligence. Are you convinced that Israel is really, significantly, sincerely trying to limit civilian casualties or not?” Tapper retorted.

“Well, we just had a classified briefing this week and we all walked away with the impression that certainly Israel is attempting to do that. But, of course, the United States is still not pleased that things are not up to the standards that we would expect or hope, and we’re continuing to pressure Israel about that. And I think that is a discourse that’s incredibly important. These are people’s lives that need to be protected,” Turner said.

“So, they’re trying, but not hard enough, is basically what you’re saying?” Tapper asked.

“Well, I think there is a gap between what the United States’ standards would be and what we expect, and what we’re seeing on the ground,” Turner replied. “And I think Israel and the United States are continuing to be in discussions about that. And from the briefings we’ve received, the discussions are being fruitful and they’re certainly being taken seriously.”

Watch the clip above via CNN.