Israeli Ambassador to US Updates on Son's Critical Condition After Terror Attack

Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Michael (Yechiel) Leiter, provided an update on Sunday regarding the critical condition of his son, Neria, who was severely injured in a car-ramming attack at the Beit El checkpoint last Wednesday. "My family and I thank everyone who is praying for us and supporting us during this time," Leiter posted on social media platform X. He stated that while Neria's life "is still hanging by a thread," there have been "some encouraging signs" that the family is clinging to with hope. Leiter expressed belief in the power of prayer and God's ability to heal, even in seemingly impossible situations.

Leiter also extended gratitude to the public for their concern and prayers, requesting that prayers for Neria also include wishes for the complete recovery of all those severely wounded by terrorists. He characterized Neria and his friends as "heroes who ensure we can persevere and win the struggle against those who sow murder and destruction," calling it a fight "for the future of civilization, no less."

Neria Leiter, son of the ambassador, was critically wounded in the attack on Route 443 in the Benjamin region. He had completed hundreds of days of reserve duty, even after losing his older brother in combat. He was evacuated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in critical condition and underwent multiple surgeries, including a complex brain operation lasting several hours. Professor Alex Yoskovitz, Deputy Director of Medicine at Shaare Zedek, described Neria's initial state as "extremely serious," requiring resuscitation and multiple surgical interventions before being moved to intensive care. He added that the medical team was assessing Neria's condition hourly.

The terrorist, identified as Mahmoud Suleiman from the village of Beit Ur al-Tahta, was killed at the scene. Security officials had no prior knowledge of him, and it is believed he acted alone.