Call Me Back - with Dan Senor Elation, Grief, and a Call at 4AM
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Oct 11, 2025 
Amit Segal, an investigative journalist and author, unpacks pivotal moments in Israeli politics through his new book, revealing the drama behind prime ministers’ decisions. He recounts a revealing 4 a.m. call with Netanyahu, reflecting on leadership during crises. Segal discusses how fear shapes Israeli governance and contrasts it with U.S. politics. He also highlights the tragic arcs of prime ministers and the enduring connection between security and religious identity in their strategies. It's a deep dive into the emotional and political complexities of Israel.
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Netanyahu's 4AM Phone And A Stark Warning
- Amit Segal recounts a 4 a.m. WhatsApp call connecting Netanyahu to a division commander three days after October 7th.
- Netanyahu told Segal "you should never go to politics," underscoring the personal toll of leadership.
The Red Phone As A Leadership Metaphor
- The 4 a.m. phone symbolizes the sudden crises every Israeli prime minister may face.
- Golda Meir's nightmare of ringing red phones foreshadowed the Yom Kippur War's 4 a.m. phone call.
Tactical Alerts Don't Fix Strategic Blindspots
- Getting an early warning might have changed tactics but not Israel's broader strategic neglect.
- Netanyahu underestimated that militias and Iran's nuclear program posed simultaneous existential threats.
