Slain Israeli Father Buried After Saving Son in West Bank Attack

Natanel (Nati) Sharon, 48, who was murdered in a shooting attack near the Ein Ri'a spring close to Neve Tzuf on the eve of Yom Kippur, was laid to rest Tuesday night in his hometown of Ali Zahav.

Sharon was killed while with his 16-year-old son, Yoav, who survived the attack. During the funeral, Yoav recounted how his father had shouted a warning, enabling him to escape the gunfire. "Dad, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the years together. Thank you for shouting at me during the attack and I ran. Thank you for saving my life," Yoav said, also thanking God for his survival.

His wife, Merav, described Sharon as a devoted family man, emphasizing his commitment to honoring parents and his deep involvement in their children's lives. She recalled his final moments, stating, "In the last second, he warned Yoav. Thank you Nati for your heroism and for seeing Yoav."

Sharon and his son had gone to the spring to immerse themselves before Yom Kippur. According to initial investigation findings, the attacker arrived by vehicle and opened fire on Sharon's car. A tracker from the Binyamin Brigade who was in the area returned fire, wounding the assailant, who then fled. He was later apprehended near Ramallah by Duvdevan unit fighters.

Sharon is survived by his wife, Merav, and their six children. The funeral was attended by public officials and senior military officers, including the head of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, and the commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller.