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

Neriah Leiter, son of Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Yehiel Leiter, remains in critical condition following a vehicular terror attack at the Makabim Junction on Route 443. Doctors at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem performed complex brain surgery after he sustained life-threatening injuries. Medical teams are continuing to provide intensive, life-saving treatment, with social workers offering support to the family.

Leiter, a reservist soldier, had continued his military service after losing his older brother, Moshe Yedidya Leiter, who was killed in combat in Gaza approximately three years ago. Neriah Leiter had completed hundreds of days of reserve duty on various fronts since October 7th.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Leiter family at the hospital before departing for the United States and urged the public to pray for Neriah's recovery. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Interior Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, President Isaac Herzog, and various local authority heads, including Yossi Dagan of the Samaria Regional Council and Israel Gantz of the Benjamin Regional Council, have all issued statements expressing solidarity and praying for Neriah's recovery.

Ambassador Yehiel Leiter, en route back to Israel from New York, expressed gratitude to the IDF and medical teams, emphasizing his belief in the power of prayer and unity. He condemned Palestinian terrorism, stating, "They choose death, we choose life." The family has requested prayers for Neriah Dov ben Hannah.

Following the attack, Israel Gantz, head of the Benjamin Regional Council and the Yesha Council, called on the government to take decisive action, including asserting control over open areas in Judea and Samaria, and to act forcefully against terrorists, including searching villages from which attackers have emerged.