Netanyahu Accuses Biden Administration of Arms Delays: Cost Israeli Soldiers’ Lives

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday night that Israeli soldiers were killed during the war because the Israel Defense Forces lacked sufficient ammunition, blaming the shortage on restrictions imposed by the Biden administration.

“At a certain point, we did not have enough ammunition, and people fell—heroes fell,” Netanyahu said at a press conference. “Part of the shortage resulted from the embargo. I decided that we will never reach such a situation again. Israel must develop an independent defense industry as much as possible. This situation changed with the entry of President Trump’s administration.”

The remarks marked a rare and direct public rebuke by Netanyahu of former U.S. President Joe Biden and immediately drew criticism from political and security officials, who argued that the statement distorts the broader reality of U.S. support for Israel.

Critics: Biden Provided Unprecedented Support

Critics of Netanyahu noted that the Biden administration delivered what many described as unprecedented military and diplomatic backing for Israel, particularly in the early weeks following the October 7 attacks. This included the deployment of U.S. naval and air assets to the region, emergency military aid, and a clear deterrent message aimed at Hezbollah and Iran.

While acknowledging later disagreements between Jerusalem and Washington—particularly over the conduct of the war in Gaza and a possible ground operation in Rafah—critics argue that any delays in weapons shipments were largely symbolic and did not materially impair Israel’s military capabilities.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides has previously said that Biden paid high political costs within the Democratic Party for his unequivocal and immediate support for Israel, amid growing pressure from pro-Palestinian factions.

U.S. Response: “The Claims Are Not True”

Amos Hochstein, a senior envoy for President Biden, rejected Netanyahu’s accusations, saying:
“Prime Minister Netanyahu is neither telling the truth nor doing justice to President Biden, who stood by Israel at its most vulnerable moment and provided critical support.”

Diplomatic and Political Implications

Diplomatic sources warned that Netanyahu’s comments could further strain Israel’s relations with key allies and send a discouraging message to world leaders about the political cost of supporting Israel under the current government.

Analysts also pointed to possible domestic political motivations behind the remarks, noting Netanyahu’s increasingly cautious public language regarding figures in his inner circle and ongoing investigations. They argue that his statements reflect a broader effort to distance himself from responsibility while avoiding outright denials.