IDF Reservist Injured in Terror Attack is Son of Israeli Ambassador to US

The reservist soldier critically injured in a car-ramming attack at the Beitunia checkpoint (also known as the "Bl" checkpoint) on Wednesday has been identified as Neriah Laiter, the son of Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Michael Laiter. The ambassador is a bereaved father, having lost his elder son, Moshe Yedidya Laiter, during the fighting in Beit Hanoun in the "Swords of Iron" war.

The attack occurred on Route 443 when the assailant, identified as 29-year-old Suleiman Mahmoud from the village of Beit Ur al-Tahta, drove his vehicle off the road. Mahmoud, who was traveling from west to east on a lane designated for Palestinian vehicles, suddenly swerved left, striking Neriah Laiter, who was standing outside a police vehicle. Laiter sustained severe injuries.

Immediately following the ramming, a combat soldier at the checkpoint engaged the attacker, attempting to neutralize him. The assailant then tried to hit the soldier with his car. In response, other soldiers opened fire, killing the attacker at the scene.

David Krispil, a medic with the United Hatzalah rescue service, described the scene: "I arrived within minutes to find other medics and a paramedic already treating a man in his 40s who had been hit by the car. The terrorist was neutralized at the scene. The victim is in serious condition and was evacuated by ambulance after receiving initial medical treatment."