CIA, intel director struggle to say if Israel is actually 'exterminating' Palestinians

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When questioned by Sen. Tom Cotton on Monday, national security officials grappled with whether they believe Israel is engaged in the systematic destruction of the Palestinian people.

During the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence's annual Worldwide Threats hearing — which was interrupted several times by protesters demonstrating for a ceasefire between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas — Cotton asked both CIA Director William Burns and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines if Israel was "exterminating" Palestinians in Gaza.

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"Some of our audience members are accusing you of pretty serious conduct," Cotton said, referencing the protesters.

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"I want to give you a chance to respond to what's been said," he continued. "Is Israel exterminating the Palestinian people?"

Burns responded: "I think there are a lot of innocent civilians in Gaza who are in desperate conditions right now." He added that there are also hostages in "desperate circumstances."

When pressed by Cotton, Burns said, "No," and said he understands Israel's need to respond to the Oct. 7 terrorist attack. But, he said, "I think we also have