Full Breakdown
Israeli Ambassador’s Son Critically Injured in West Bank Car-Ramming Attack
By Drooid · · How we work
The Attack at Maccabim Checkpoint
On September 23 2026, a 29-year-old Palestinian drove a vehicle into the security checkpoint on Route 443 near Beit Horon in the occupied West Bank. Reservist Neria Leiter, son of Israel’s U.S. ambassador Yechiel Leiter, was seriously wounded. Israeli forces shot the driver dead, and the checkpoint was closed in both directions.
Background and Family Tragedy
Neria Leiter, an American citizen serving in the IDF reserves, had previously continued his service after his older brother, Maj. Moshe Yedidya Leiter, was killed in northern Gaza on Nov. 10 2023. The family’s loss has been repeatedly highlighted by the ambassador.
Data and Immediate Response
- Attacker: Identified by the Palestinian Health Ministry as Mahmoud Suleiman (name variations appear in reports).
- Age: 29.
- Outcome: Shooter killed by IDF troops on site.
- Victim: Neria Leiter sustained serious injuries, was unconscious on arrival, and was taken to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, where he remains under sedation.
- Medical teams: United Hatzalah and Magen David Adom provided on-scene treatment, including respiratory support and life-saving medication.
Official Statements and Responses
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the hospital, saying he and his wife Sarah were praying for a miracle and expressing solidarity with Ambassador Leiter. Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the IDF fighters who eliminated the attacker and noted that terrorism in Judea and Samaria is at its lowest level in decades. UN Ambassador Danny Danon said “all of Israel” is praying for the wounded soldier. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee posted a message of support. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Economy Minister Nir Barkat also issued statements of support.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Palestinian terrorism seeks to uproot the people of Israel from their land. They choose death – we choose life,” — Yechiel Leiter
- “I believe in the power of prayer and believe that when the people of Israel unite, miracles happen,” — Yechiel Leiter
- “Yechiel, I stand with you and your family, and I pray alongside the entire nation of Israel for your son’s recovery,” — Israel Katz
- “I commend the heroic fighters who eliminated the terrorist. To the soldiers of the IDF and the security forces: I believe in you and trust you; we will not allow terror to rear its head.” — Benjamin Netanyahu
On-the-Ground Reports
The incident prompted the closure of Highway 443 between the checkpoint and Beit Horon.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact spelling of the attacker’s name: “Mahmoud Suleiman,” “Mahmoud Muhammad Mahmoud Suleiman,” and “Muhammad Mahmoud Suleiman.” While most reports state the driver was shot dead, one account describes the vehicle striking a police patrol before the shooter fled and was killed.