Son of Israeli ambassador to US critically injured in West Bank ramming attack

Neria Leiter, the son of Israel's Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, was critically injured in a car-ramming attack in the West Bank on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Leiter, who serves as an Israeli military reservist, was struck by a vehicle while on duty with a police officer at a checkpoint near Beit Horon. The assailant, identified as Mahmoud Mohammad Sliman, 29, was subsequently shot and killed by Israeli security forces at the scene.

Following the attack, Neria Leiter was transported to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, where he remains in serious condition with head injuries. Ambassador Yechiel Leiter has issued an emotional appeal, stating on social media that his son "needs a miracle" and expressing gratitude to the medical team and the prayers of the Israeli people. This incident marks a second tragedy for the Leiter family, as Neria's older brother, Moshe Yedidya Leiter, was killed while serving as a reservist in Gaza in November 2023.

The attack has drawn international attention and occurred a day before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address the United Nations. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir has reportedly ordered the deployment of the 98th Division headquarters to the West Bank to enhance command and control capabilities in the area. This incident is part of a broader surge in violence across the West Bank since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023.