WEST BANK — Leiter, who has served as Israel's ambassador to the U.S. since January 2025, addressed the incident on social media. He noted that his son has completed hundreds of reserve duty days on various fronts since October 7, 2023.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Leiter family at the hospital before departing for New York for the United Nations General Assembly. "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," Netanyahu said.

Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, also issued a statement regarding the injury. "All of Israel is praying for your son … who was critically wounded in today’s heinous terrorist attack," Danon said. The attack marks another loss for the Leiter family, whose older son, Major Moshe Yedidya Leiter, was killed in battle in northern Gaza on November 10, 2023.

Timeline

On November 10, 2023, Neria Leiter's older brother, Major Moshe Yedidya Leiter, was killed in battle in northern Gaza. Yechiel Leiter has served as Israel's ambassador to the U.S. since January 2025, having assumed the position on January 27, 2025.

On September 23, 2026, an IDF reservist, Neria Leiter, was critically injured in a vehicle ramming attack at the Maccabim checkpoint, also known as the Bell checkpoint, on Highway 443 in the West Bank. That same day, Yechiel Leiter stated that Neria Leiter has completed hundreds of reserve duty days on various fronts since October 7, 2023. Yechiel Leiter stated on social media: "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 also stated: "I believe in the power of prayer, and I believe that when the people of Israel unite, miracles happen. Neria needs a miracle." Additionally, Yechiel Leiter stated on social media: "Palestinian terrorism aims to uproot the people of Israel from its land. They choose death—we choose life."

What's New

Additional reporting confirms that an IDF reservist, Neria Leiter, was critically injured in a vehicle ramming attack at the Maccabim checkpoint, also known as the Bell checkpoint, on Highway 443 in the West Bank on September 23, 2026. He stated on social media: "Palestinian terrorism aims to uproot the people of Israel from its land. They choose death—we choose life." Danny Danon stated: "All of Israel is praying for your son … who was critically wounded in today’s heinous terrorist attack."

Israel Police stated that the terrorist had hit a police patrol vehicle belonging to the Judea and Samaria District. An officer and a soldier were inside the vehicle as part of a joint operation. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Mahmoud Suleiman, a 29-year-old Palestinian from Beit Ur al-Tahta.

Mahmoud Suleiman was shot and killed by Israeli security forces at the scene of the attack. Yechiel Leiter assumed the position of Israeli ambassador to the United States on January 27, 2025. The Israel Defense Forces is the combined military forces of Israel.

Why It Matters

The injury of Neria Leiter involves the son of a sitting diplomatic official, Yechiel Leiter, who serves as Israel's ambassador to the U.S. The attack occurred at a strategic checkpoint on Highway 443, a major route in the West Bank. The incident resulted in the death of the attacker and critical injuries to a reservist who was actively serving at the time.

The event draws attention to the ongoing security operations in the region and the personal toll on families involved in military service. The response from high-level officials, including the Prime Minister and other ambassadors, reflects the political and social significance of the incident within Israel. The medical team at Shaare Zedek Medical Center continues to treat Leiter, with his prognosis remaining unclear.