Netanyahu Says IDF Losses Due to Ammunition Shortage Before Trump Intervention

In a powerful joint press conference with Hostage Coordinator Gal Hirsch, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that IDF soldiers who fell in Gaza did so, in part, due to an ammunition shortage one he claims was corrected after U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office.

“Our soldiers fell [in Gaza] because we didn’t have enough ammunition,” Netanyahu said on Tuesday evening. “That changed when Trump took office.” The statement marked a sharp reflection on recent military challenges and underscored the importance of strong international partnerships.

Netanyahu and Hirsch stood before the nation with a bittersweet announcement: for the first time in over a decade, no Israeli hostages remain in the Gaza Strip. The return of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili’s remains, after he was killed defending Israeli civilians on October 7, completed what both leaders called a sacred mission.

“One hundred and sixty-eight hostages were returned alive. Eighty-seven were returned dead,” Hirsch said emotionally. “I remember each name and face.”

“This was the most difficult task of my life,” he added, visibly moved by the weight of the mission.

Netanyahu declared that Israel had achieved what many thought impossible, bringing all hostages home. But the mission is far from over. The prime minister reiterated his unwavering objective: the total dismantling and disarmament of Hamas and the Gaza Strip.

“There are only two ways to disarm Gaza the easy way or the hard way,” Netanyahu said, echoing prior statements made in coordination with President Trump.

He dismissed any speculation about rebuilding Gaza before it is demilitarized. “That won’t happen,” Netanyahu asserted. “I’m also hearing that we will bring Turkish and Qatari soldiers into Gaza. That won’t happen. I’m hearing that I will allow the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza. That hasn’t happened, and it won’t happen.”

The prime minister also issued a stark warning to Iran. “If Iran makes the grave mistake of attacking Israel, we will respond with a force that Iran has never seen before.”

Netanyahu acknowledged that while Israel and the U.S. may take different tactical approaches to Tehran, both nations remain in close communication. “I don’t want to dictate to President Trump what he will or will not do,” he said, “but we report fully to one another on Iran.”

Tuesday’s press conference followed the recovery of Sgt. Ran Gvili’s body from northern Gaza, where he fell heroically protecting civilians during the October 7 terror assault. His return symbolizes not only national closure, but renewed resolve.

Israel’s defense and future cannot depend on others’ permission. The path ahead is clear: no reconstruction before disarmament, no surrender to terror, and no tolerance for threats to Jewish sovereignty.

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