What did Netanyahu know before Oct. 7?

Israeli medical workers who treated victims of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks are reflecting on the traumatic day as Israel marks three years since the assault. For Nil Kirsht-Levi, a nurse with Israel's largest healthcare provider, Clalit Southern District, the past three years have been marked by personal tragedy, including the kidnapping of her sister, Rimon Buchshtab-Kirsht, and the murder of her brother-in-law, Yagev Buchshtab. Despite these losses, Kirsht-Levi continues to care for others affected by the attack, working tirelessly to help survivors recover and rebuild their lives. Kirsht-Levi spent the morning of October 7 treating patients remotely from her safe room while protecting her three children as terrorists invaded Kibbutz Magen. During this time, she desperately tried to locate her sister, who lived in nearby Kibbutz Nirim. Her sister sent a message indicating that terrorists had entered their home and that she could hear Arabic being spoken. Kirsht-Levi waited weeks in agonizing uncertainty before seeing her sister alive in a Hamas video. She campaigned for her release and ultimately welcomed her home 53 days later, though her sister returned emaciated and scarred as part of a ceasefire deal in November 2023. Meanwhile, Michaela Koretsky, a midwife with Clalit’s Southern District, was jolted awake by air raid sirens on October 7 as Hamas launched thousands of rockets at Israel. She rushed with her family to a shelter, where she received a message from Eran, a member of the kibbutz’s civil defense squad, asking if she was home. Eran then began bringing wounded kibbutz members to her for first aid. Koretsky treated several injured individuals, including Amichai, who was covered in blood when brought to her. She quickly switched into nurse mode, placing him on the floor and continuing to monitor the situation as gunfire echoed outside the kitchen window. She improvised bandages and prepared an IV while staying in contact with an emergency room doctor from Soroka Medical Center who was also in the kibbutz. He confirmed that Amichai was stable. Eyal, another wounded individual, was brought in with a bullet lodged in his lung. After administering additional oxygen and placing him on an IV, Koretsky determined that Eyal needed to be evacuated immediately. As Israel commemorates the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks, the focus remains on the resilience of its people and the ongoing efforts to heal from the trauma. Survivors like Kirsht-Levi and Koretsky continue to play crucial roles in the recovery process, offering hope and support to others affected by the violence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently facing scrutiny over his handling of intelligence leading up to the attacks. Recent reports suggest that the Emirati and Egyptian governments had warned Netanyahu of a potential Hamas threat prior to October 7, but he allegedly did not convey these concerns to Israeli security officials. According to Haaretz, Mohamed bin Zayed, the President of the United Arab Emirates, informed Netanyahu that Hamas was planning a major military operation. However, Netanyahu reportedly responded with relative calm, believing the threat to be limited to the West Bank area. Netanyahu has denied the allegations, calling the Haaretz report an "absolute lie." His office stated that he did not communicate with bin Zayed during the relevant period and received no warning from him. Netanyahu recently traveled to Abu Dhabi, where he reportedly requested bin Zayed to deny the existence of their 2023 phone call. The Emiratis have yet to comment on the conversation between the two leaders. In addition to the political controversy surrounding the events leading up to October 7, there are ongoing discussions about how Israel will address the aftermath of the attacks. As the country moves forward, the experiences of medical workers like Kirsht-Levi and Koretsky serve as powerful reminders of the human cost of conflict and the enduring strength of those who survive it.