Israeli Ambassador to US's Son Critically Injured in West Bank Terror Attack

Neria Dov Leiter, a 30-year-old reservist soldier and resident of the Samaria region, was critically wounded in a vehicular ramming attack near the Makabim checkpoint on Route 443. Leiter, son of Israel's Ambassador to the United States Dr. Yechiel Leiter, was evacuated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem unconscious, sedated, and on a ventilator, suffering from a severe head injury.

This incident marks another tragedy for the Leiter family, who lost their eldest son, Major Moshe Yedidya Leiter, in combat in northern Gaza in November 2023. Moshe, who served in the elite Sayeret Shaked unit and later commanded a company, was killed while inspecting a booby-trapped tunnel shaft near a mosque in Beit Hanoun, leaving behind a wife and six children.

Neria Leiter had continued his reserve duty after his brother's death, serving hundreds of days on various fronts since October 7. The attack occurred when a terrorist accelerated his vehicle into a police car occupied by an officer and a reservist soldier, ramming Leiter. Security forces at the scene immediately neutralized the terrorist.

Ambassador Yechiel Leiter expressed gratitude to the IDF and the medical team, stating, "I believe in the power of prayer and believe that when the people of Israel unite, miracles happen. Neria needs a miracle." He added, "Palestinian terrorism aims to uproot the people of Israel from their land. They choose death, we choose life."

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant offered prayers for Leiter's recovery and commended the soldiers who eliminated the attacker, vowing that terrorism would not be allowed to prevail. The head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, called for decisive action against terrorism and pledged support to the family.