Reservist Soldier Critically Wounded in West Bank Terror Attack

A severe terror attack occurred today on Route 443, near the Maccabim checkpoint, critically injuring reservist soldier Neria Leitar. Initial investigations suggest the attacker acted alone, accelerating his vehicle towards the checkpoint after exiting the village of Beit Ur al-Tahta. He then exited his car and attacked soldiers before being neutralized by forces at the scene, according to reporter Doron Kadush.

The Central Command is concerned about copycat attacks following this incident. The IDF has identified numerous attempts to orchestrate attacks in Judea and Samaria from external sources, including Hamas headquarters in Gaza, Hamas leadership abroad in Turkey, and other locations. A senior officer noted that the current period is characterized by high tension due to holidays, the olive harvest season, and upcoming elections.

In response to the elevated friction between Israelis and Palestinians, command and control in the region has been divided between two divisions instead of one. The IDF clarified that the deployment of the 98th Division is a precautionary measure and not based on new intelligence indicating imminent attacks.

Neria Leitar, the soldier critically wounded, is the son of Yehiel Leitar, Israel's ambassador to the United States. The family announced the incident from the settlement of Ali, urging prayers for his recovery. Neria continued his reserve duty after his older brother, Major Moshe Yedidya Leitar, was killed in Gaza in November 2023. He has served hundreds of days in reserve duty on various fronts since October 7th. Ambassador Leitar, en route to Israel, expressed gratitude to the IDF, medical teams, and the prayers of the Israeli people, stating, "Neria needs a miracle. They choose death, we choose life."