We expect that there's a likelihood of escalation, escalation by Iranian proxies directed against our forces, directed against our personnel.

We are taking steps to make sure that we can effectively defend our people and respond decisively if we need to.

This is not what we want, not what we're looking for.

We don't want escal for. We don't want

escalation. We don't want to see a second or third front develop. We don't want to see our forces

or our personnel come under fire. But if that happens, we're ready for it. That's Secretary

of State Anthony Blinken on the expected provocation from Iran connected to the Israel-Hamas war.

It comes as Israel's defense forces are expanding significantly airstrikes in Gaza.

We'll get the latest with a live report from Israel straight ahead.

Plus, an update on the hostages who are still being held by Hamas

after the terrorist group did release two Americans on Friday. And also coming up, we'll go

through the nine Republicans now running to be House Speaker following Jim Jordan's

failed bid to lead the lower chamber.

Thank you. following Jim Jordan's failed bid to lead the lower chamber. Good morning and welcome to way too early on this Monday, October 23rd.

I'm Jonathan Lemire.

Thanks for starting your day and week with us.

And we'll begin this morning with the latest out of the Israel-Hamas war and the airstrikes

launched into Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank, all by Israel's defense forces.

Residents of North Gaza received new warnings to evacuate

to the south of the territory, adding they may be identified as sympathizers with a terrorist

organization if they decide to stay put. This comes as Israel dramatically expanded the scope of its offensive. In the West Bank,

the IDF says its air strike on an underground compound at a mosque struck a, quote, terror cell,

...