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We attacked selected military targets of the P.L.O. Around, civilians were hurt, I don't want to deny it. Very regrettable, very regrettable. We regret it deeply.

It was my duty to shoot the enemy, and I don't regret it. My regrets are for the people I couldn't save: Marines, soldiers, buddies. I'm not naive, and I don't romanticize war. The worst moments of my life have come as a SEAL. But I can stand before God with a clear conscience about doing my job.

I think it is tragic that a situation should arise where civilians on any side are killed. But it is almost a cliche to say that it is virtually unavoidable and this isn't unique to us alone.

If civilians are going to be killed, I would rather have them be their civilians than our civilians.

Those allies who failed to join us will regret it. They're making a mistake.

I do not feel remorse. Everybody makes mistakes in war.

I would sincerely regret, and which never shall happen whilst I am in office, a military guard around the President.

If you shell a military base and happen to kill civilians, you have not committed a war crime; if you deliberately target cities and towns, you have.

My biggest, you know, regret is what happened in Benghazi. It was a terrible tragedy losing four Americans - two diplomats and, now it's public so I can say, two CIA operatives.

Our country will, I believe, sooner forgive an officer for attacking an enemy than for letting it alone.