US diplomat’s son left fighting for his life after a car attack in the West Bank

The son of Israel’s ambassador to the United States remains in critical condition after a vehicle was deliberately driven into people in the West Bank, according to his father and official statements from the Israeli military and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ambassador Yechiel Leiter posted on social media about his son, Neria Leiter, who is serving as a reservist in the Israel Defense Forces. “I am grateful to the IDF, to the medical team at Shaare Zedek who are now fighting to save the life of Neria Dov ben Chana, and for the prayers of the people of Israel,” he wrote.

He went on to say, “I believe in the power of prayer, and I believe that when the people of Israel unite, miracles happen. Neria needs a miracle.”

The Attack

The Binyamin Brigade operates in the central West Bank, according to reports. The IDF described the incident as a car-ramming attack “at a checkpoint in the Binyamin Brigade’s area of responsibility.”.

The attack took place in the area of Maccabim checkpoint, west of Ramallah. The IDF said the terrorist who carried out the attack was “eliminated” by security forces.

According to the Associated Press, the Palestinian Health Ministry has named the suspect as Mahmoud Suleiman.

Casualties

One soldier was “severely injured” in the attack, according to the IDF, which did not share more details on his condition.

Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem is where Neria Leiter is receiving treatment.

The Family Loss

Maj. Moshe Yedidya Leiter, the older brother of Neria Leiter, was killed in combat in northern Gaza on Nov. 10, 2023.

Michael, whose full name is Yechiel Leiter and who was born in the U.S., says that Neria kept serving in the army reserves even after his brother died. The ambassador has confirmed that Leiter has “done hundreds of reserve duty days on various fronts since October 7th,”.

Netanyahu’s Response

The Israeli prime minister is in New York for the UN General Assembly and posted a statement on social media. His message was translated from Hebrew and read: “My wife Sarah and I, together with all the people of Israel, are praying for a miracle. Yechiel, my dear, we are all with you.”

The Order of Events

1. The car-ramming attack occurred at a checkpoint in the Binyamin Brigade’s area of responsibility in the West Bank.
2. The attack took place near Maccabim checkpoint, west of Ramallah.
3. Security forces eliminated the terrorist, identified by the Palestinian Health Ministry as Mahmoud Suleiman.
4. One soldier was severely injured, according to the IDF.
5. Neria Leiter, son of the Israeli ambassador to the U.S., was seriously injured and hospitalized at Shaare Zedek Medical Center.
6. Netanyahu offered condolences from New York during his UN visit.

Key Figures Involved

The Public Appeal

The public is appealed to by Leiter’s posts drew attention to the personal cost of the ongoing conflict. His appeal for prayer and unity was a father’s.

The hospital room where Neria Leiter is fighting for his life is still the center of attention.

The assault moved fast. Troops reacted at once, and the terrorist was put down on the spot. The IDF has kept quiet on the condition of the seriously hurt soldier and on where the probe stands.

While in New York for the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu has made sure to show that his thoughts are with the family of the injured reservist. His message of support from there demonstrates that the incident continues to weigh on him, even as he carries out his official duties abroad.

Shaare Zedek’s medical team is currently working tirelessly to keep Neria Dov ben Chana alive, doing everything within its power to save his life.

Right now, attention stays fixed on the hospital room where Neria Leiter is fighting for his life.

See the video the story is built around at CBS News.

ambassador · car-ramming · Israel · Netanyahu · reservist · West Bank