Netanyahu blames Biden-era arms embargo on Israel for deaths of soldiers in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel had paid heavy prices during the war against Hamas, including the loss of soldiers' lives. He acknowledged that casualties are part of any conflict, but also argued that some deaths were avoidable.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that some Israeli soldiers were killed during the war in Gaza because Israel ran short of ammunition, which he blamed on a US-imposed embargo on arms supplies.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Netanyahu said Israel had paid "very heavy prices" during the war against Hamas, including the loss of soldiers' lives. He acknowledged that casualties are part of any conflict, but also argued that some deaths were avoidable.

"At a certain stage, we didn’t have enough ammunition," he said, adding that the shortage affected operations on the ground.

Netanyahu did not specify how many soldiers were affected or when the alleged shortages occurred. He also did not directly name the administration responsible, but said the embargo ended once Donald Trump returned to office.

Netanyahu has repeatedly accused the administration of former US President Joe Biden of restricting arms supplies to Israel, particularly during intense phases of the Gaza war. The Biden administration has consistently rejected those claims, saying it continued to provide military assistance to Israel throughout the conflict.

US officials have confirmed holding back only one specific shipment — a batch of 2,000-pound bunker buster bombs — citing concerns about their potential use in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.